Armistice Day 11th November 2022

A huge thank you to teacher Kathy Canavan and pupils from Thorn Grove Primary School who joined the Armistice Day service at the war memorial in Bishop's Stortford. The children read out poignant poems that were written on the back of the beautiful poppies they had made. A fantastic contribution from all.

Armistice Day 11th November 2022

Today veterans, members of the Bishop's Stortford Branch Committee and the Mayor of Bishop's Stortford laid crosses on local war graves. We will remember them.

Poppy Appeal Supporters Platinum Jubilee Tea Party 21st August 2022

On Sunday 21 August, an afternoon tea was held by the Bishop’s Stortford Branch of The Royal British Legion at the Markwell Pavilion to thank all those individuals who helped with the Poppy Appeal last November.

About sixty people were able to attend, including Bishop's Stortford Mayor Cllr Dave Anderson. Various Certificates and Awards of Appreciation were presented by the Branch President John Robinson. Of particular note were the awards to Martin Chapman and Ann Maskell who have each collected for the Poppy Appeal for 45 years. There was a Royal Family quiz and Pat Markwell, Chairman of the Bishop's Stortford Royal British Legion Women's Section, gave a short talk about their activities.

An enjoyable afternoon was had by all and thanks must go to Denise Hudson, our Poppy Appeal organiser, and her team of helpers for delivering another hugely successful appeal.

The Poppy Appeal total for the year 2021/22 now stands at £51,725.92.

More photos of the event and the award/certificate recipients can be viewed in the Poppy Appeal Supporters Tea Party Gallery.

Do you know someone who needs or may need help from The Royal British Legion?

Times are getting tough so don’t forget that the Royal British Legion is here to help past and present members of the Armed Forces and their families. Support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. Help is just a phone call away on 0808 802 8080. Calls are free and lines are open 8.00am to 8.00pm every day of the week. British Legion Branches can also give small one-off crisis payments.

Bishop's Stortford Branch contact: BishopsStortford.Secretary@rbl.community or phone 07804 778036.

Bishop's Stortford Carnival Parade 18th June 2022

Members of the Bishop's Stortford Branch participated in the Bishop's Stortford Carnival Parade on 18th June. There was a brilliant turnout - well done to all concerned. 

Thank you for your support, Bishop's Stortford Detachment Army Cadets.

The Falklands Conflict 40th Anniversary Commemoration in Bishop's Stortford 14th June 2022

Our President, John B Robinson AFC*, presided over a short service of commemoration at the War Memorial, Castle Gardens on Tuesday 14 June 2022.

More photos of the event can be viewed in the Falklands 40th Photo Gallery

Bish Bash Music Festival 4th June 2022

We were out again with our Stall at the Bish Bash Music Festival on 4^th June.

We spent most of the time holding down the gazebo as it was a very windy day but we enjoyed it!

Book Signing Event by Veteran Peter Cullen 9th April 2022

On Saturday 9^th April we had a recruitment day with veteran Peter Cullen at his book signing event in Jackson Square.

Michael Smith, Manager of Jackson Square. Thank you for your donation.

Thanksgiving Service - The Royal British Legion Centenary 3rd April 2022

On 3rd April 2022, the Royal British Legion Bishop’s Stortford Branch celebrated its Centenary year with a Thanksgiving Service at St. Michael’s Church, Windhill.

We are pleased to say that the event went very well with over 300 guests attending including our local Army and ATC Cadet Units, Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Emma Robarts, Vice Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council Cllr. Annie Brewster, Chairman of East Herts District Council Cllr. Ken Crofton, representatives from local organisations, Bishop’s Stortford Branch and Women’s Section Committee members, local schools and Councillors, veterans and Bishop’s Stortford Branch Members.

The hour long service included hymns and music from the Amici Cantate Choir and a poetry reading by the pupils of Thorn Grove School, Bishop’s Stortford, accompanied by their teacher.  Revd. Derwyn Williams conducted the service and he was joined by Revd. June Knight, Father Peter Harris and Tim Weeks our Branch Padre.

We think the following message received after the Service sums up the day:

 “Just a quick message to compliment you all, and all the others involved, in making today's service at St Michaels Church such a very special occasion. It was clear that a great deal of time, thought and effort had gone into organising it all and it was wonderful to see so many people in attendance. The music, the hymns and the readings were all carefully chosen and very special to hear the young pupils from school doing their readings. It was also thoughtful to arrange transport for some of our older members who really appreciated being able to attend.

I'm sure all those there today will remember this as a great celebration of 100 years of the Royal British Legion.”

We would like to thank everyone involved in making the day such a memorable one.

A selection of photos from the event can be seen below and more can be viewed here: Thanksgiving Service photos.

Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Bishop's Stortford War Memorial on Saturday 15th May 2021

Royal British Legion Branches throughout the UK and overseas laid wreaths at 09:00 on Saturday 15th May to coincide with the wreath laying at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of The Royal British Legion.

Photo shows: Kathy Stanes Branch Vice Chair, John B. Robinson Branch President, Phil Bishop Branch Standard Bearer, Arthur King Branch Standard Bearer, Paul Vile Branch Chair and Alison Mitchell Women's Section Standard Bearer.

The Royal British Legion 1920-2021

The British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-Servicemen that had established themselves after the First World War.

The first ever Poppy Appeal was held the same year.

'Royal' status was granted in 1971 and membership was extended to serving members of Her Majesty's Armed Forces, as well as ex-Service personnel in 1981.

Now anyone can become a member of The Royal British Legion. Men and women of all  ages are welcome, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not, to continue the work that was begun 100 years ago.

Thank you Bishop's Stortford Independent Newspaper, North Street for allowing us to use your window to publicise the start of our Centenary Year.