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