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Latest News 2026

Hertfordshire County Awarded Double Success at the Royal British Legion Annual Conference 2026

01 June 2026

We are delighted to report that Paul Vile, our past Chair and now Hertfordshire County Chair, collected two awards at the Royal British Legion Annual Conference which took place in Brighton from Friday 8 - Sunday 10 May 2026.

The Hughes Trophy:
Awarded to a county or district with the best percentage fundraising increase per capita for the Poppy Appeal - Hertfordshire came in third place.

The Sir Clive Johnstone Award:
Awarded to individuals, groups, or teams from across RBL (volunteers or staff) who seek, create repair or improve unity across RBL. This year’s recipients are the RBL County Training Officers, Paul being the Hertfordshire CTO.
 
Paul remains on the Branch Committee as Poppy Appeal Organiser and Branch Community Support Representative.

Photo shows Paul Vile with the Hughes Trophy Certificate at our Apton Centre base.

Commemorating the 15th Anniversary of the end of the Iraq War - Operation Telic

On Sunday 24th May 2026, the Royal British Legion held a service at the War Memorial in Bishop's Stortford to commemorate the 15th Anniversary of the end of the Iraq War - Operation Telic. 

Branch President John B Robinson presided over the service and Town Mayor, Cllr Martin Adams, and his consort joined veterans, Branch Chair Denise Hudson, members of the Branch Committee and members of the public to remember those who fell in that War.   

Zoe Maidment attended as RBL Branch Standard Bearer. Mark Thornewill, Army veteran, laid the wreath.

Ben, an inspiring young historian, learns about Remembrance with RAF Veterans in a special visit to the Poppy Room in Bishop's Stortford

On 24 March 2026, some of the committee welcomed lovely Ben & his mum, Liz, to our Poppy room. Ben is completing a project, loves history and came to talk to us about Remembrance and ask questions. He was thrilled to talk to our Branch President, Squadron Leader John B Robinson AFC* Rtd., and Tony Semaine, local historian and ex-RAF serviceman who served in Gibraltar, who each presented Ben with a book.

Ben and his mum brought us a delicious homemade Victoria sponge cake and we had a very enjoyable and memorable morning with them.

We’ve invited them to our Armed Forces Day event in June and our Poppy Appeal launch later this year.

Ben has overcome a lot and is a total inspiration. Here he is on The Green Howards Museum Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/18aM6iGYHS/

Statement from Royal British Legion Director General, Mark Atkinson:

23 January 2026

‘The service and sacrifice of British personnel in Afghanistan cannot be called into question, and we condemn any comments that undermine their extraordinary contribution. 457 British personnel lost their lives in Afghanistan and thousands more and their families now live with the lifelong physical and mental impact from service in that conflict.

‘The dedication and sacrifices of the men and women in the British Armed Forces from the UK, Commonwealth, and beyond, to protect our freedoms and support our allies deserves our deep and ongoing respect and gratitude.

‘Our nation’s support for our Armed Forces is never in doubt. The Royal British Legion through our ongoing work to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community, ensures that their unique contribution is not forgotten. This recognition is shared across communities, cultures, and faiths.’

If you have been affected by current events in the news, please do not hesitate to contact us at the branch or on 0808 8028080 (phone line open 7 days per week between 08.00-20.00).

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