Poppy Shop Donate
poppy field

Berkhamsted

The 6th of June 2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when Allied forces mounted the largest amphibious invasion the world has ever witnessed. In 1944 Operation Overlord saw over 5,000 ships and landing craft set down more than 130,000 troops on five Normandy beaches in an action that would bring about the liberation of north-west Europe from Nazi occupation.

Join us at Velvet Lawn, Berkhamsted, in honouring this milestone by participating in our beacon lighting ceremony.  We will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day by lighting a beacon at 9.15pm on Thursday 6th June 2024, symbolizing our remembrance and gratitude.

The event will proceed in the following order:

  • Welcome and Introduction by Ian Hooper (Chairman, RBL Berkhamsted & District Branch)
  • The Tribute
  • The Act of Remembrance, featuring two minutes of silence
  • Lighting of the Beacon
  • Blessing of the Beacon

 

Let us come together to pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in D-Day, ensuring that their legacy continues.

Velvet Lawn, Swing Gate Lane, Berkhamsted. HP4 2RP
                                                                                                                                                                                                 Please note there will also be a small gathering to give thanks and lay a wreath at the Berkhamsted Cenotaph at 11am on Thursday 6th June.

 

  • Poppy Appeal: Last year's appeal in Berkhamsted raised £30,750 and together with Tring, raised in excess of £57,000.  Thank you all for your generosity!

A special thank you to Mr Harry Streeter for his kind and generous donation in support of Lydia Hemmings who will be running the 2024 London Marathon in aid of the RBL. 

  • Silent Soldiers: Silent Soldiers have been erected around Berkhamsted to remember those unknown men and women who died whilst in service. The first of the these silent soldiers was installed on the 10th October 2022, at the Hall Park end of the town and the second on 16th January 2023 at the Northchurch end of Berkhamsted.  The formal unveiling was carried out by Gagan Mohindra, the MP for South West Hertfordshire and was well attended by members and the local community. (Photos in Photo Gallery) 
  • 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War: Last year we marked the anniversary with a commemorative event at the National Memorial Arboretum.  Taking place on 14 June 2022, Falklands 40 remembered the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, their families, and the civilian communities who contributed. To find out more visit: ➡️ rbl.org.uk/falklands40

  • A New War Memorial erected in Rectory Lane was dedicated in September 2021 with many distinguished guests in attendance led by the Royal British Legion Berkhamsted Branch, and in particular by our Standard Bearer Chris, to show our major contribution to Legion 100 of the Legion in the Community in this our special Centenary year.

  • RBL Centenary Pennant: To mark 100 years of the British Legion, the Centenary Pennant for the RBL Standard was awarded to the RBL Berkhamsted, Tring & District Branch. The Pennant will be paraded with the Standard on every occasion it is used.

  • Membership of Other Branches: A recent change in the rules means that if you are an Branch Member, you can also join up to 3 other branches; at no additional cost (however the new Branch may charge you their fee-usually £2). If interested please use the email address below to Membership Services, inform them who you are and quote your membership number then request joining the other Branch(s) of your choice. membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk  

Diary Dates (2024):

  • Saturday 27th January: Hertfordshire Annual RBL County Conference (Stevenage)
  • Thursday 7th March: Band of the Household Cavalry Concert, Berkhamsted School
  • Saturday 23rd March: Race night at the Berkhamsted RBL Club, in conjunction with Kitcheners Bowls Club
  • Wednesday 8th May: VE Day
  • Friday 10th - Sunday 12th May: National RBL Conference (Newport, Wales)
  • Thursday 6th June: D-Day Wreath Laying, Berkhamsted Cenotaph, 11am
  • Thursday 6th June: 80th Anniversary of D-Day, Beacon Lighting (Details above)
  • Saturday 15th June: Trooping The Colour (Official King's Birthday Parade, 10am)
  • Saturday 29th June: Armed Forces Day
  • Thursday 15th August: VJ Day
  • Late October: Official Launch of 2024 Poppy Appeal
  • Sunday 10th November: Remembrance Sunday 
  • Monday 11th November: Remembrance Day
  • Thursday 14th November: King Charles's Birthday
  • Sunday 24th November: Branch AGM (10am at RBL Club Berkhamsted)

 

  • NB: All Branch Committee meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm at the RBL Club Berkhamsted