Further Update - Poppy Appeal 2024 Total
18 March 2025
Please see our
Poppy Appeal page for a report and message from Paul Vile, Poppy Appeal Organiser, on the current Poppy Appeal total, which is our highest to date at
£58,971.19.
Update - Poppy Appeal 2024 Total
14 December 2024
The total raised in Bishop's Stortford currently stands at £58,296.91
Sincere thanks to everyone involved.
Remembrance Parade 2024
Please click here to see the Remembrance Parade 2024 Photo Gallery from Sunday 10 November
Armistice Day Marked By Children From Bishop's Stortford Schools
11 November 2024
Armistice Day commemorations took place at the War Memorial in Castle Gardens on Monday 11 November 2024, attended by members of the Royal British Legion Bishop's Stortford Branch, local dignitaries and members of the public.
Local school children read out poems they had written, which made the occasion very special. Thank you Kathy Canavan for arranging their participation on the day. Their strong message was for young people to "take up the torch" for peace, love and remembrance.
Silverleys Beavers, Cubs and Scouts added a poignant gesture by leaving lit jars they had painted on every war grave in town.
Local school children commemorating Armistice Day 2024 at the War Memorial in Castle Gardens
Local school children commemorating Armistice Day 2024 at the War Memorial in Castle Gardens
Branch President John Robinson AFC* on Armistice Day 2024
Armistice Day 2024: Silverleys Beavers, Cubs and Scouts left lit jars they had painted on every war grave in town
Honouring the Fallen at the Town Cemetery
7 November 2024
Sergeant Major Alison Mitchell, Bishop's Stortford Detachment Army Cadets 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 [email protected]
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
