Latest News and Events in Bishop's Stortford
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Find out what events are going on in the area.
Keep up to date with the latest Poppy Appeal 2024 news.
Honouring the Fallen at the Town Cemetery
7 November 2024
Sergeant Major Alison Mitchell and our Branch Standard Bearer, Mark Thornewill, honour the fallen at the Town Cemetery.
Honouring the Fallen at St James Church, Thorley
29 October 2024
Branch Committee members Denise Hudson and Kathy Stanes laid crosses at the war graves in St James Church Thorley.
Members of the Armed Forces are honoured at All Saints' Church Hockerill
On 29 October 2024 our Branch President John B Robinson AFC* was joined by The Revd Simon Vivian, Vicar at All Saints’ Church Hockerill, to honour members of the Armed Forces who are laid to rest in the graveyard at the Church.
We would like to thank Father Simon for his words of Remembrance at the gravesides.
Poppy Appeal 2024 Launch Table in Jackson Square on Saturday 26th October raises £1,733.12
Please click here to view the Poppy Appeal 2024 photo gallery
Birchanger Sports and Social Club's Summer Fete
On Saturday 7th September 2024, the RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch held a stall at the Birchanger Sports and Social Club's Summer Fete. The RBL Women’s Section, Bishop's Stortford, also had a bric-a-brac stall next to us. It was a lovely community event which we were very pleased to attend.
The RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch Members Attend the Official Opening of Castle Park
It was a beautifully warm day at this community event which took place on Sunday 1st September 2024. We saw many familiar people visiting our stand and also met lots of new ones. As ever, we are extremely grateful for the support.
Denise and Heidi with our President John Robinson
RBL committee members with teacher, Kathy Canavan, who is a great support to us
New paths and beautiful flowers leading up to the War Memorial
Meeting our new MP Josh Dean
Bishop’s Stortford Band entertaining the crowds
2024 Annual Poppy Appeal - Request for Knitted/Crocheted Poppies
24 August 2024
Knitted and crocheted poppies are always very popular fund raisers. If you can knit or crochet some poppies for us we would be very pleased to hear from you.
Poppies can be dropped off at the Apton Centre during office hours, or can be left in a bag in the letter box outside.
The address is 22a Apton Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 3SN.
Please leave your contact details so we can send a thank you!
You can message us via Facebook: The Royal British Legion - Bishop's Stortford Branch or by emailing BishopsStortford.Secretary@rbl.community
Please include your contact details.
Many thanks
Heidi Barden
Deputy Poppy Appeal Organiser
RBL Women's Section Bishop's Stortford Branch raise money for the Children's Fund
On 20th July 2024, RBL Women's Section Bishop's Stortford Branch members took part in a fundraising coffee morning at the Methodist Church in Bishop's Stortford.
Visitors were treated to a splendid variety of home made cakes and the event raised £127.13 in total which, together with their other fundraising- raffle/teas and 5p collection, should allow £200.00 to be donated to the Children's Fund.
Thanks to the committee members who volunteered to help on the day and those who provided the cakes.
Left to right: Doreen Snook, Pat Ault (Secretary), Shirley Richards, Ros Francis (Vice Chair), Pat Markwell (Chair) and Gwynn Allanson (Treasurer).
Please click here for information about the RBL Women's Section Bishop's Stortford Branch and how to become a member.
RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch participate in "Best of British" themed Carnival
On Saturday 15 June 2024, RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch Committee members took part in the town Carnival Parade and had a stall at the Fun Day event afterwards. As forecast, and in keeping with the theme of the day ‘Best of British’, it rained during the parade, then the sun shone! It was a great community event.
Photos show the Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford Branch Committee Members and the Bishop's Stortford Army Cadets.
Bishop's Stortford Commemorates D-Day 80
6 June 2024
🎥 Please view our slideshow of fantastic photos from the D-Day 80 event:
Pictures by Gerred Gilronan 07764 580 332.
A wonderful day of D-Day 80 commemorations took place in Bishop's Stortford on 6 June 2024. The day commenced at 9am when the Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Councillor Richard Townsend, raised the official D-Day 80th anniversary flag in Castle Park. This was followed by a speech from our Branch President, John Robinson.
At 6.30pm, bells rang out for peace at St Michael’s Church and the celebrations began on Sworders Field. The Bishop’s Stortford Band and Vintage Trio, The Rockabellas, performed sets of 1940s music to entertain the crowd.
Fish and chips, coffee, cakes and ice creams were available. There was also a bar provided by PEACH.
After the entertainment, The Royal British Legion Bishop’s Stortford Branch, veterans, cadets and local pupils from Birchwood High School, The Bishop's Stortford High School, Hockerill Anglo European College, Leventhorpe School, St. Michael's School and Thorn Grove School, led by teacher Kathy Canavan, participated in an Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial. They paid special tribute to D-Day hero Cyril Banks, who died in 2022 aged 97.
At 9.15pm, the Mayor lit the International 80th Anniversary D-Day Beacon and RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch President, John Robinson, delivered the International Tribute. Wreaths and crosses were then laid on the War Memorial.
Thank you, Bishop's Stortford, for remembering all those who gave their lives on D-Day.
For a full account of the event, please see this article from the Bishop's Stortford Independent:
Generations unite in Bishop’s Stortford to commemorate D-Day 80 (bishopsstortfordindependent.co.uk)
Thorn Grove Primary School pupils recreate Normandy beaches and share a special assembly to commemorate D-Day 80
4 June 2024
The RBL committee, along with our Mayor Cllr Richard Townsend, were invited to a special D-Day 80 assembly at Thorn Grove Primary School. It was so well put together, with singing, poems, and even some Lindy Hop and Swing dancing! They had made a display of the Normandy beaches, as well as a war memorial, and each child had been given one of the beaches to research.
Teacher Kathy Canavan had taught the children about D-Day, 6 June 1944, which saw the largest seaborne invasion in history. Although Kathy retired last year, she is still very much involved with the school and so enthusiastic about teaching the children the importance of
history and remembrance. It’s brilliant to see how engaged the children are - a teacher like her is a star - they will always remember her.
Parachute
Utah beach
Omaha beach
Gold beach
Juno beach
Sword beach
The children built a memorial to those who gave their lives on and after June 1944. The photograph is of the grandfather of a member of staff at the school. Fortunately, he returned home
Mayor Cllr Richard Townsend
D-Day display of flags created by the pupils
Members of Bishop’s Stortford’s Royal British Legion, Bishop's Stortford Armed Forces Veterans’ Breakfast Club and Mayor of Bishop’s Stortford, Cllr Richard Townsend, with teacher Kathy Canavan and pupils at Thorn Grove Primary School
Kathy Canavan with the fantastic D-Day 80 display
D-Day display created by the pupils
Lunch menu
Chocolate fish and chips were also provided
Remembering Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone (rtd) KBE, CB
The Royal British Legion is deeply saddened to announce the death of our National President, Sir Clive Johnstone. Sir Clive died on Sunday 12th May 2024, shortly after the end of the RBL’s Annual Conference that had been taking place in Newport, Wales.
Please read The Royal British Legion's tribute here.
King Charles III is RBL's New Patron
4 May 2024
The Royal British Legion is extremely proud and honoured that His Majesty King Charles III has been confirmed as the charity’s new patron.
The charity has held Royal patronage since it was founded in 1921 and The King will be the fourth monarch to serve as patron of the RBL following his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, and George VI and Edward VIII before her.
The King has his own record of service with the British Military and comes from a family who have all served, leading to a close affinity with the Armed Forces community and the aims of the RBL. King Charles first joined the Armed Forces in 1971 to complete an advanced flying course with the RAF before joining the Navy. He subsequently served in a number of ranks and holds honorary titles across the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles became Commander in Chief of the British Armed Forces and now leads the nation in Remembrance at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.
The King has been a long-standing supporter of the RBL’s work, attending the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance for the first time just days before his 20th birthday in 1968, joining the charity’s membership as an Honorary Serving Member in May 1976 whilst serving in the Royal Navy, and frequently undertaking engagements with the charity as The Prince of Wales.
The Legion is incredibly thankful for The King’s ongoing support as our new patron.
Please click here to see the article on the RBL website.
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Service of Dedication for the Royal British Legion Bishop’s Stortford Branch Standard
On Sunday 28 April 2024, RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch were delighted that, despite the rain, so many turned out for the Service of Dedication for their new Branch Standard. The occasion was marked by the peal of St. Michael’s Church bells.
Rev. Derwyn Williams led the service in St. Michael’s Church, assisted by Branch Padre Rev. Tim Weeks. Members of RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch were joined by Hertfordshire Deputy Lieutenant Emma Robarts, local dignitaries and veterans, together with 1096 (Bishop’s Stortford) Air Cadets and Bishop’s Stortford Detachment Army Cadets.
Bishop’s Stortford College Choir gave a superb rendition of “In Flanders Field” at the beginning of the service and their trumpeter sounded the Last Post and Reveille either side of the two minutes silence. RBL Branch President John B Robinson AFC* gave the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph, having earlier addressed the congregation.
Hertfordshire Parade Marshal Tony Cousins directed the standard bearer party led by Bishop’s Stortford Branch Standard Bearer, Mark Thornewill. They were accompanied by escorts from the Air and Army Cadets and followed by standard bearers from RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch Women’s Section, 1096 (Bishop’s Stortford) ATC, Bishop’s Stortford Army Cadet Units, and Bishop’s Stortford Armed Forces Veterans' Breakfast Club.
Light refreshments were served at the Apton Centre after the service.
The Branch would like to thank all those who took part and made it such a memorable day.
Mark Thornewill, RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch Standard Bearer, leading escorts from ATC and Army Cadet Units, Standard Bearers from RBL Bishop’s Stortford Women’s Section, ATC Cadet and Army Cadet Units, and the Bishop’s Stortford Armed Forces and Veterans' Breakfast Club
During the Service at St. Michael’s Church
Left to right: Rev. Tim Weeks, Bishop's Stortford Mayor Cllr. Richard Townsend, RBL Women's Section President Kathy Stanes, RBL Women's Section Chairman Pat Markwell, RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch Chair Paul Vile, Hertfordshire DL Emma Robarts, Hertfordshire County Council Chairman Cllr. Terry Douris, Hertfordshire Parade Marshal Tony Cousins, RBL Hertfordshire County Chairman Andy Stephenson, RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch Standard Bearer Mark Thornewill
Bishop’s Stortford Detachment Army Cadets and 1096 (Bishop’s Stortford) Sqn. ATC
For all photos of the event, please see the Photo Gallery - Service of Dedication for RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch Standard 28 April 2024
Poppy Appeal Thank You Tea Party Celebrates Highest Ever Poppy Appeal Total of £53,939.32 in Bishop's Stortford
On Sunday 3rd March 2024, an afternoon tea party was held by the Bishop's Stortford Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) to thank all those individuals who helped with the Poppy Appeal last November.
It was so good to see everyone there. Bishop's Stortford Mayor, Richard Townsend, and Hertfordshire County Committee Vice Chairman, Sue Rose, praised the work of all the Poppy Appeal supporters and Denise Hudson in her last year as Poppy Appeal Organiser. Sue announced that the Hertfordshire County Poppy Appeal total currently stands at £675,456.42. The Bishop's Stortford total was added to when John Robinson presented Denise with a cheque for £3105.06 from the Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club, raised at the Poppy Appeal lunch and auction on their 11th November 2023 match day. The Bishop's Stortford total now stands at £53,939.32 which is the highest ever raised.
Jim Wyatt received a County Award for his past work as Treasurer as well as his current role as Membership Secretary, and for overseeing the Poppy Appeal count. The RBL Women's Section, Army and Air Cadet Units also received awards for their invaluable help during the Poppy Appeal. Various other notable awards and certificates were also presented to Poppy Appeal supporters.
Please see the Tea Party 2024 Photo Gallery for more photos of the event and award recipients
Report on Hertfordshire County Conference 2024
RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch members presented with RBL County and Gold Awards.
On Saturday 27th January 2024, Bishop's Stortford Branch Committee members attended the RBL Hertfordshire County Conference in Stevenage and were delighted to see RBL County and Gold Awards presented to Branch Committee Member Denise Hudson, and Poppy Appeal Organiser and Branch President John B Robinson.
Denise received her County Award in recognition of seven years’ service as Poppy Appeal Organiser (also chairing the Branch Committee during three of those years) as she steps down from the role this year. Her citation tells of her hard work and dedication to improve the efficiency of the appointment which is illustrated by the collections’ amount in her time of over £250,000 with two years exceeding £50,000 each and one year which, despite being decimated by Covid, raised over £4500.00.
John received a Royal British Legion Gold Award in recognition of his service as Branch Chairman, Poppy Appeal Organiser and Branch President and his current work to ensure that veterans of the UK’s nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s are honoured and given access to their medical records. Last year, John spoke at the National Memorial Arboretum about his role as a pilot flying Canberra aircraft in No 76 Squadron RAF testing British nuclear weapons in the 1950s and he has since received the Nuclear Test Medal in recognition of his service during that time.
Newly appointed Hertfordshire County Chairman, Andy Stephenson, told of his hopes to see RBL Hertfordshire move forward and make continuous progress towards a positive future and gave a report on County matters over the past year including an update on the National Census results for Hertfordshire which show there are over 25,000 serving and former serving HM Armed Forces personnel in the County. He gave details of Welfare Assistance given directly to veterans in Hertfordshire totalling £25,668.00 in the first six months of 2023, with grants awarded for brown and white goods, energy bills, crisis grants, motability and medical help.
Guest speakers Nairn Johnstone, RBL Director of Data and Insight, and Hertfordshire Covenant Board Member Harper Brown, Chair of the Hertfordshire County Council Armed Forces Covenant Board Health Sub Committee, told of their roles and gave an insight into the work they do.
Sqn. Ldr. John B Robinson AFC*
Left to right: Nairn Johnstone, County President Hertfordshire
Colonel Kevin Fitzgerald TD, DL
Denise Hudson, John B Robinson and Andy Stephenson
Bishop's Stortford Branch Memorabilia on Display at the Christmas Community Countdown in Jackson Square
On Friday 8th December 2023, The Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford Branch members took part in the Christmas Community Countdown in town and had displays of photos and items showing our history, as well as merchandise. Thank you to all who visited us.
Veterans’ Commemoration Service – War Poetry in Welwyn
On 13th September 2023, members of Bishop’s Stortford Branch Committee and our Standard Bearer, Mark Thornewill, attended a Veterans’ Commemoration at St Mary Magdalene Church. The poignant service included readings of eleven war poems from World War I through World War II, Korea, the Falklands and Afghanistan, interspersed with three hymns. The names on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones were also read out.
John B Robinson, President of the RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch, Holds First Medal for Britain's Nuclear Test Veterans
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Article from The Mirror Newspaper online, on 23rd August 2023:
By Susie Boniface, Reporter
23 Aug 2023
One of the last surviving 'cloud flyers' holds first medal for Britain's nuclear test veterans.
John Robinson was at the medal factory in Birmingham to see the first medal roll off the production line after a five-year Mirror campaign to honour Britain's nuclear test veterans.
Former squadron leader John Robinson holding the medal he and his comrades have waited decades for.
John Robinson is a lucky man. Not only has he survived five nuclear bombs, he flew through two mushroom clouds on deadly sampling missions of which he is now believed to be the sole survivor.
He has now made history again - as the first nuclear veteran to hold the medal he and his comrades waited 70 years for.
Former squadron leader John, 89, said: "The big question is when I and my fellow veterans will get the finished product, and they told me they are hoping they can do it by the end of September, so they know the pressure is on. The medal means a lot to me, and I will be proud to accept it on behalf of my co-members of 76 Squadron, air crew and ground crew, who are sadly no longer with us to receive the acknowledgement themselves."
John was at the medal factory in Birmingham to see the first medal roll off the production line, following a five-year Mirror campaign to honour the 22,000 servicemen who took part in hundreds of radioactive UK bomb tests and toxic clean-ups in the Cold War. Only 7% survive, many reporting a legacy of cancers, miscarriages and birth defects.
Veteran John Robinson with Minister Johnny Mercer
So far 1,800 people, including survivors and next of kin, have been approved for the medal with another 500 who have applied. It is hoped they will now be delivered by Remembrance Sunday, which is just 80 days away. The veterans have asked for a ceremony hosted by King Charles, and sources have confirmed conversations are underway about it with the Palace.
The medal features an atomic symbol embraced by olive branches, while the ribbon's colours indicate the blue of the Pacific, the red of the Outback, and the black and yellow danger markers for radiation.
Last month the Mirror revealed John, of Bishop's Stortford, was one of dozens of veterans who had applied for their military medical records only to be told those covering his time at the tests were "missing".
Orders from Whitehall in the 1950s said everyone in John's elite bomber unit should have regular blood tests - but the MoD has admitted withholding some that show "gross irregularities" even today on the grounds of patient confidentiality.
It has led to claims of possible crimes by the state, as withholding, falsifying or destroying medical records is a criminal offence.
John's records show only that he received a dose equivalent to 576 chest x-rays in a single year after flying in Operations Buffalo, Antler and Grapple at Maralinga in South Australia and Christmas Island in the South Pacific in 1956 and 1957. He has suffered no ill health, but is concerned about the fate of his comrades.
"I cannot find anybody from my squadron who is alive, apart from one former navigator. I am the only pilot left," he said. "There were 85 of us involved, flying through those clouds, and if I'm all that's left there should be an independent study made of what killed the other 84."
It is believed some ex-veterans in the MoD medal office are also hunting for further veterans who have not come forward already to apply for their gong.
The medal came after veterans won a meeting with then-PM Boris Johnson, who ordered a review before he left office. A £250,000 oral history project has begun, with a further £200,000 for a project involving four secondary schools. Bids for a touring arts production, and larger-scale educational projects, were refused.
* To apply for the medal go to labrats.international/medal for advice. It is available to everyone who was under UK command in Australia, America and the South Pacific between 1952 and 1967, regardless of whether they witnessed a blast. Next of kin can also apply.
See the original article online here:
One of the last surviving 'cloud flyers' holds first medal for Britain's nuclear test veterans - Mirror Online
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Bishop's Stortford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club Celebrate Bletchley Park Codebreaker's 97th Birthday
On Sunday 23rd July 2023, members of the RBL Bishop's Stortford Branch Committee were invited to join the Bishop’s Stortford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club to celebrate Patrick’s 97th Birthday. Patrick was a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and it was an honour to meet him.
D-Day 80: Preparations for 80th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings, June 2024
22 July 2023
The Royal British Legion (RBL) are searching for D-Day veterans who want to take part in events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in June 2024. The RBL are calling on veterans, their families, and carers to register their interest to take part in the commemorative events for this historic milestone.
Further details and an interest registration form here: D-Day | Remembrance | Royal British Legion
Festival of Remembrance 2023 Tickets – Exclusive Member Sale
22 July 2023
The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 11 November 2023 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. Once again, members will be able to buy tickets on a first-come first-served basis, in an exclusive member sale, buying tickets directly from the ticket agent. Please note that tickets will only be available to buy online.
Ticketing Process:
Timeline:
- Tuesday 25 July - Evening tickets go on sale at 10am. All members of the Royal British Legion can purchase up to 2 tickets for the evening performance online.
- Tuesday 1 Aug - Afternoon tickets go on sale at 10am. All members of the Royal British Legion can purchase up to 4 tickets for the afternoon performance online.
Payment will be taken at the time of booking. As in previous years, the Metropolitan Police have asked for the following information for all guests that will be attending the Festival of Remembrance, both afternoon and evening performances:
Membership number (lead booker only); Full name (this must be exactly as it appears on your photo ID); Address (please include post code); Date of birth (please use the format DD/MM/YYYY); City of birth; Country of birth; Email address; Contact number.
This information will be allocated to seat numbers so all tickets must be individually named. You will be required to submit this information in order to purchase your tickets.
"Credit their Service" Campaign
22 July 2023
RBL have launched a new campaign, Credit their Service.
Armed Forces compensation (such as a War Pension) is often considered an income source when national and local benefit rates are calculated, whilst civil compensation is not. As a result, veterans and their families are often receiving less Pension Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Support, Discretionary Housing Payments, and Disabled Facilities Grants than they are entitled to.
We need your help to get the word out by asking your MP to support the "Credit their Service" campaign. You can do this by clicking here. Also, if you believe you or somebody you know has been disadvantaged by this problem, get in touch with us through this short survey, or email us at: publicaffairs@britishlegion.org.uk.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust: Force For Change programme
22 July 2023
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust will award grants of up to £15,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.
If you would like to know more about the “Force for Change” programme, more information is provided on their website here: Force for Change programme.
Please do share this information with any community projects which may be eligible for support.
Farewell Assembly for Kathy Canavan at Thorn Grove School 19th July 2023
The Branch Committee were invited to a farewell assembly for a fabulous teacher, Kathy Canavan. The children told of their favourite memories of her and presented her with beautiful farewell cards. They finished the assembly with a rousing rendition of “Keep the Home Fires Burning” which had us all in tears!
We would like to acknowledge Kathy’s invaluable support of our Branch and the Poppy Appeal over the years and for bringing the meaning and importance of Remembrance to her pupils.
Visit to Fuller Court, Hockerill, Bishop’s Stortford on Thursday 13th July 2023
Thanks to Lisa Carr (Housing Manager) and the residents of Fuller Court for inviting me to join them to their coffee morning on 13th July. RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch has a proud connection with Fuller Court as the Branch was instrumental in raising the funds to build the purpose-built retirement complex, and when it opened in June 1984 many local dignitaries and Standards from all across Hertfordshire attended the event.
Our past President, Standard Bearer and Poppy Appeal Organiser, David Bayford, recorded much of the history of RBL Bishop’s Stortford Branch in the huge scrapbook shown in the photo, and items about Fuller Court were of special interest to the residents.
Thank you for your hospitality and the chance to share your history.
Terrie Archer – Branch Secretary.
Hertfordshire Regiment Remembered, Hertford Museum 13th July 2023
Members of the Bishop’s Stortford Branch Committee attended the Hertford Museum for a hugely successful launch of a campaign to fund a new website telling the tales of the valiant Hertfordshire Regiment.
The new website, telling the story of Hertfordshire’s heroes, costs £1,000 a year to run and branch members turned out in force to kickstart the fundraiser with £760 raised from tickets, a RBL raffle and donations.
Over 900 men lost their lives from the regiment in WW1 and a further 135 in WW2. It is hoped the website will launch ready for November and will feature a collection of the museum’s regimental items from extraordinary photos to diary accounts, uniforms and other memorabilia.
Around 60 Royal British Legion Branch members from across Hertfordshire, as well as members of the public, attended the event joined by Deputy Lieutenant Emma Robarts and Hertfordshire County Council Vice Chairman Cllr Lesley Greensmyth.
Although the regiment disbanded in 1961, the event was fortunate to have a special visitor, Hertfordshire regiment veteran Colonel Keith Cockman OBE, in attendance.
Sara Taylor, Hertford Museum Curator, who gave a talk at the launch event, said, “We are absolutely delighted by the success of the event and so grateful for the support of the RBL, which has enabled us to get the word out to a significantly wider audience. Funds raised this evening have covered nearly a year of hosting and maintenance costs for the website, which is absolutely invaluable. We are so looking forward to the website launch in November.”
Hertfordshire County Committee Chair Andrew Huggins said, “The Hertfordshire Regiment disbanded 62 years ago, and the Regiment Association has also folded so it is very important we back this campaign to remember them. The Royal British Legion honours those who served and so here, in the county, it is important we back this campaign to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Hertfordshire Regiment”.
Standard bearers Paul Harding and Tony Cousins outside Hertford Museum with Deputy Lieutenant Emma Robarts and Herts County Chair Andrew Huggins
RBL members from Herts branches meet up before attending the Hertfordshire Regiment launch event. Branches represented in photo include Watford, Rickmansworth, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Bishop’s Stortford and Hemel Hempstead
Hertfordshire regiment veteran Colonel Keith Cockman OBE, with Deputy Lieutenant Emma Robarts
Hertford Museum Curator, Sara Taylor, gives a presentation
Hertfordshire Regimental Jacket and Embroidery
Following on from our previous news article about remembering the bravery and sacrifice of the Hertfordshire Regiment, an item of special interest is a Hertfordshire Regimental Jacket formerly belonging to the late Sgt. Arthur Marshall of the Sawbridgeworth troop of the Hertfordshire Imperial Yeomanry. The jacket was donated to The Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford in 1992.
An informative article from the Herts and Essex Observer from 18th May 1992 is printed below, alongside a photo from the jacket unveiling event. The second photo in the collage shows a piece of Hertfordshire Regiment embroidery.
A larger print version of the Herts and Essex Observer article from 1992 can be found by clicking here.
Below is a larger scale image of the embroidery which is now on display at The Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford Branch's headquarters.
Hertfordshire Regiment Remembered
Please support the creation of a new website to ensure that the courage and sacrifice of the Hertfordshire Regiment is not forgotten.
Hertford Museum, in conjunction with Hertfordshire Royal British Legion, is launching a campaign to fund a new website telling the tales of the valiant Hertfordshire Regiment, a volunteer force which disbanded in 1961. A former website established to tell the story of the Hertfordshire heroes in the First World War attracted hits from over 200 countries. Unfortunately, funding expired and now donations are required to create a new website dedicated to the full history of the regiment, and share the stories of the ordinary people and their extraordinary endeavours.
The 1st Battalion was amongst the first in Europe in 1914, where nearly 900 officers and men lost their lives. Members of the 1st Battalion were awarded two VCs and more than 300 decorations and Mentions in Despatches. During the Second World War, the 1st Battalion endured five months hard fighting in Italy in 1944, whilst the 2nd Battalion landed in Normandy with No. 9 Beach Group Day that same year. Some 135 men of all ranks lost their lives.
Sara Taylor, curator at Hertford Museum, said: “We were overwhelmed with interest in the old website from family and military historians, as well as academics from around the world. As a registered charity, it is difficult for us to manage annual running costs of £1100 per year, so sponsorship is absolutely vital in ensuring the courage and sacrifice of the Hertfordshire Regiment is not forgotten.”
Andrew Huggins, Royal British Legion Hertfordshire County Chairman, said: ‘The Hertfordshire Regiment disbanded 62 years ago and the Regiment Association has also folded. The Royal British Legion honours those who served and so here, in the county, it is important we back this campaign to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Hertfordshire Regiment.”
If you would like to support the campaign or if you have questions or links to the Hertfordshire Regiment, please email: sara@hertfordmuseum.org.uk or ring 01992 582686.
Royal British Legion at Coronation Day Celebration, Sworder’s Field 6th May 2023
Despite the awful weather, we enjoyed the day showing off our new gazebo and hope to do more events like this in the future.
Our Town Council put in a huge amount of work organising the event and they made sure we, and our Bishop’s Stortford Veteran’s Breakfast Club neighbours, had a good pitch. All we need next time is more sunshine!!!
Thanks to the BSVBC members who helped put up our gazebo, the organisers, and RBL Committee members Paul Vile, Kathy Stanes, Clive Kitchener, Heidi Barden and Terrie Archer who manned the stall for the day.
Poppy Appeal Tea Party 2nd April 2023
On Sunday 2nd April, an afternoon tea party was held by the Bishop's Stortford Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) to thank all those individuals who had helped with the Poppy Appeal last November. This year we moved to a new venue and were pleasantly surprised with the impressive facilities at the St Michael's Mead Community Hall. About 80 people were able to attend including Bishop's Stortford Mayor Cllr Dave Anderson, RBL Hertfordshire County Chairman Andrew Huggins and some members of the Bishop's Stortford Detachment Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Army Cadet Force and 1096 (Bishop's Stortford) Squadron Air Training Corps.
Various certificates and awards of appreciation were presented by Branch President John Robinson. Of particular note were the medals given to John Windus for 30 years, Arthur King for 35 years and Bob Cornell for 40 years of collecting for the Poppy Appeal.
A County Certificate for services to the RBL as Branch President and previously Branch Chairman and Poppy Appeal Organiser was presented to John Robinson. Branch Certificates were given to Arthur King for his service as Branch Standard Bearer (now retired) and Poppy Appeal Collector, James Wyatt, for his service as Treasurer to the Branch (retiring this year) and also to the Poppy Appeal Organiser, Denise Hudson, for her service as Branch Chairman (retired) and for 7 years as Poppy Appeal Organiser (to stand down this year). Finally a framed photo and bouquet of flowers were presented to teacher, Kathy Canavan, for her outstanding dedication and support in bringing an understanding of Remembrance to her pupils at Thorn Grove Primary School over many years.
There was a quiz about our new King Charles III, and the Poppy Appeal Organiser gave an update on the 2022 Poppy Appeal. The local total now stands at £49,152.43 and the national total is close to the 50 million target. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all and thanks must go to local solicitors, Lever & Co, who supplied the funds to finance this event.
Tea Party Photo Gallery
Please click here to view all photos from the event in the Poppy Appeal Tea Party 2023 Photo Gallery.
Bishop's Stortford Branch Open Day 25th March 2023
On Saturday 25th March we opened our doors to visitors at our base in the Apton Centre in Bishop’s Stortford. We are always looking for ways to promote the Royal British Legion and recruit new Branch Members and an open day seemed an ideal opportunity to do both.
Like many others, our branch has a rich history and much of this is recorded in a huge scrapbook (housed in its own mahogany case) which was kept up to date over many decades by our past President, Poppy Appeal Organiser and Standard Bearer David Bayford. When David passed away during Covid 19, his son gifted the scrapbook to us, and it formed the centrepiece of our open day display along with items dating back to the 1930's through to poems of remembrance composed by our local schoolchildren in recent years.
Visitors were able to chat to our Branch Committee Members and President over a cup of tea, and several came from Fuller Court, a local 56-bedroom retirement complex which was funded entirely by Bishop’s Stortford Branch and opened in 1984. Eager to learn its history, they and their Manager were able to look at photos taken at the grand opening which was attended by local dignitaries and many RBL Standards.
More events are planned in the coming months.
Photos from the event:
Photo above, left to right: Heidi Barden - Deputy Poppy Appeal Organiser, Denise Hudson - Poppy Appeal Organiser, Paul Vile - Branch Chair, Kathy Stanes - Vice Chair, Clive Kitchener - Committee Member, Jim Wyatt - Branch Treasurer
Photo above, left to right: Terrie Archer - Branch Secretary, Denise Hudson - Poppy Appeal Organiser, Paul Vile - Branch Chair, Kathy Stanes - Vice Chair, Clive Kitchener - Committee Member, Jim Wyatt - Branch Treasurer
Photo above, left to right: Denise Hudson - Poppy Appeal Organiser, Kathy Stanes - Vice Chair, John B Robinson - Branch President, Paul Vile - Branch Chair
Urgent appeal for help from The Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford Branch
25 January 2023
Last April we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of our branch but as we face 2023 we find ourselves in a very worrying situation.
Our Branch Treasurer, who has put off his retirement from the role for the past couple of years, has given notice that he will have to stand down in October 2023 and if we are not able to fill the vacant Treasurer role, we will be forced to face the possibility of closing down the branch as we cannot operate as a charity without this position being filled. Three branches of the Royal British Legion in Hertfordshire are at present facing the prospect of closure as they have failed to form a committee and it would be awful if this happened to our branch with its fine history.
The work of our Branch Treasurer is not onerous and does not require involvement with our Poppy Appeal, just our branch accounts. We are a small branch with little movement on the accounts from month to month and we urgently need someone who would be good enough to take up this role.
Our Branch Committee meetings are held monthly on the second Wednesday of the month at the Apton Centre, Apton Road, Bishop’s Stortford from 7.30pm, and our Treasurer is only too willing to talk through the role with anyone interested in finding out about it. I cannot emphasise enough how very thankful we would be if you, or someone you know, could find a way to help us out at this very anxious time.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Terrie Archer
Branch Secretary
The Royal British Legion – Bishop’s Stortford Branch
Email: bishopsstortford.secretary@rbl.community or telephone 07804 778036
