VE Day 80th Anniversary - Fleet & Crookham

On Thursday 8th May, Fleet & Crookham marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating and celebrating 80 years of peace since the end of World War II in Europe, marking the sacrifice of so many millions to achieve it and pay tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today.  In 1945, families came together with street parties and dancing. 

Centred on Gurkha Square, the day started at 11am with a short Civic Service of Remembrance and wreath-laying at the Fleet War Memorial.  From 12noon, there was a military vehicle display, music, display and stands (inc. RBL Fleet, Crookham & District), tea and cake.  From 6pm, performances by RBL Farnborough Concert Band, Shuffletunes, Fleet Rock Orchestra and more …  At 9pm a Beacon was lit as one of the hundreds across the UK and the party continued until 10pm. 

Fleet & Crookham's VE Day 80 event in Gurkha Square was a great success thanks to the volunteers led by David Millen who organised the town’s event with so much support from Hart Lions & Christians Together, Fleet Town Council and Hart District Council.  

A huge Thank You to all who donated to The Poppy Appeal during the VE Day 80 celebrations, over £2,500 was raised.  Donations were made at Gurkha Square, Fleet, at Bourley Grange care home, Church Crookham and at The Windmill, Ewshot.  At Gurkha Square, in addition to donations to the RBL bucket collections, Girlguiding Fleet and children’s author Mary Rosambeau, donated half the proceeds from their respective stalls.  Thanks also to residents and staff at Bourley Grange and Paul & Sharon (and drinkers!) at The Windmill.  Every penny donated goes to The Poppy Appeal and the welfare of armed forces veterans in need and their families.

Photo credits – Michael Carrington, Aldershot, Farnham & Fleet Camera Club and others

Lions President Laura Roberts presented the cheque to Poppy Appeal Organiser, Air Cdre Bill Tyack.

D-Day 80th Anniversary

Act of Remembrance -Thursday 6th June, 11am

Annual Quiz Night - Saturday 16^th March

The Key, Elvetham Heath, Fleet, GU51 1HA

Poppy Appeal Collector Awards - 24th June 2023

The lunchtime raffle raised a huge £691 for The Poppy Appeal and Branch Funds, our thanks to raffle organisers Pam & Lee Gorman and all the local businesses who donated generous prizes and branch members for their great gifts too.  Our thanks to Judy & Bill Tyack for once again hosting the awards and lunch - a highlight of the year.

Fleet's Coronation Parade, 7^th May 2023

Fleet celebrated the coronation of HM King Charles III with the town's largest parade for many years.  In fine spring weather and preceded by a 100 classic cars, the parade made its way along a packed Fleet Road from Church Road car park to conclusion in Calthorpe Park.

Headed by the Sandhurst & District Corps of Drums and Army Cadets of 4 (Fleet & Crookham) Troop, the RBL Veterans Contingent was followed by Air Cadets of 2407 (Yateley & Eversley) Squadron.  Also parading were many of the district's Scout and Guide groups and other voluntary groups.

It was the first outing for the Branch's new ceremonial Union Flag, purchased to commemorate the King's coronation.  The flag will be paraded with the Branch Standard at Remembrance and other civic occasions.

Special thanks to Major David Millen (RBL Member), who once again as Parade Marshall organised a superb parade.  

In Calthorpe Park the parade was welcomed by Chairman of Fleet Town Council, Cllr Bob Schofield and the salute was taken by Deputy Lieutenant of Hampshire, Major Mani Rai.  Three Cheers for His Majesty!

Coronation Quiz Night, 22nd April 2023

A sell-out again.  Thanks to all 16 teams (117 quizzers) who competed at our Kings & Queens themed quiz night at The Key, Elvetham Heath.  The evening raised a huge £1,600, to be divided equally between The Poppy Appeal and Branch Funds.  Thanks to our friends and neighbours Yateley & Hawley Branch RBL for bringing along two teams.

Special thanks to the King of Quizmasters - Mike G for 8 superb rounds of nonsense and keeping control. 

 Change of Branch Chairmanship - Farewell Bill Tyack & Welcome Simon Gornall

At the Branch AGM on 6 December 2021, Air Commodore Bill Tyack CBE stood down as Chairman after 15 years of successful Branch leadership and Simon Gornall accepted the Badge of Office.

Since November 2006, Bill’s experience, wise knowledge and effective management touched and improved every aspect of the Branch.  Bill has promoted and increased membership, comradeship and events, organized The Poppy Appeal and fund-raising, along with Remembrance and BCS.  

On 27 November 2006,  Bill became Chairman and Secretary with little or no handover, during a period of Branch decline and low morale after the Club closure.  His steady recruitment of effective new members was recognized by Hampshire County RBL with the award of the Foley Cup in January 2018.    

Bill Tyack’s drive to promote The Poppy Appeal and recruitment of Poppy Appeal collectors has been demonstrated by ever growing total amounts; in 2021 a Branch record of £59,600+ was collected.  His (and Judy Tyack’s) commitment to The Poppy Appeal is demonstrated by him continuing as Poppy Appeal Organiser and their home, Roughwood House remaining Poppy Appeal HQ.

Bill has driven the Branch’s outreach to others in Fleet and Crookham.  Most notably, a strong relationship with 3 Royal School Military Engineering (Royal Engineers) at Gibraltar Barracks, Minley who now lead the reprised Remembrance Sunday parade through Fleet.  In addition, 4(Fleet & Crookham) Troop and 8(Gibraltar Barracks) Troop, Army Cadet Force are now affiliated to the Branch.  The recently established Crookham and Fleet Mens’ Shed are now firm friends of the Branch helping manufacture full-size Tommy’s for Remembrance and other initiatives.     

Branch Chairman Simon Gornall and your Branch committee are looking forward to getting back to normal in 2022 and seeing you at our monthly and ad-hoc Branch events, All Welcome!  

Bill Tyack & Simon Gornall                   Certificate of Appreciation from Tim Russell, RBL Hampshire County

 About the Fleet, Crookham & District Branch

The Branch was formed on 24^th June 1921.  Though we no longer have a clubhouse we are a busy and growing branch.  Members and supporters regularly get together for social and fundraising events.  Socially we meet three times a month:

• Pub Night every, first Thursday of the month at The Tweseldown, Beacon Hill Road, Church Crookham
• Veterans' Breakfast, second Saturday of the month at The Prince Arthur, Fleet Road, Fleet
• ‘Seniors’ pub lunch, third Thursday of the month at The Fox & Hounds, Crookham Road, Fleet

All members and supporters are welcome, you do not have to be a member to attend. 

About The Royal British Legion

We provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present and their families.  The Legion is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces and is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.

Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about those who fought in the two World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today. 

Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, come and join us.  We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.