Central News

April 2025

Campaign update – how supporting MPs to help the Armed Forces community
Last month, MPs held the first full meeting of the Armed Forces Community All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which discussed challenges faced by non-UK Armed Forces personnel and their families.
The Group provides an opportunity for parliamentarians to learn more about the issues affecting the Armed Forces Community to better advocate for change. RBL assists the group by acting as the Secretariat.
Since 2022, RBL’s Stop the Service charge campaign has called for the removal of Leave to Remain fees for families of non-UK Armed Forces personnel serving in the UK Armed Forces.
Experts presented research to attendees on the challenges faced by non-UK personnel in the British Armed Forces. Their research shows that some non-UK personnel face particular challenges with career progression, family life and finding employment after service.
As a result of the meeting MPs undertook to raise issues with the Minister for People and Veterans. RBL are committed to ensuring all members of the Armed Forces community receive the support they deserve.

“What membership means to me”
When Pat Chrimes OBE, Cheshire County’s WS Chair, joined the RBL’s Women’s Section in 1978, she could not know that one day she would be writing half a million pounds on a large ceremonial cheque.
Representing money raised by the Women’s Section for families to accompany athletes to the Invictus Games, the cheque was handed over by the National Chairman at Annual Conference 23. The moment, says Pat, “spoke volumes”.
Pat joined the Women’s Section because she wanted a hobby in addition to being a homemaker and mother of two. Village buses stopped at 6pm so choices were limited but the local RBL Women’s Section caught her eye.
It appealed to Pat, she says, because her grandfather had served in WW1. Her father had also served in WW2 – landing on Sword Beach June 6, 1944 and continuing to Holland and Germany.
“I felt I may be able to give back to say, ‘thank you’ for the life I and others have due to the sacrifices my grandfather, my father and all those who fought and gave the supreme sacrifice for our freedom,” she says.
Since then, she has taken on various roles. As the Women’s Section National Chairman, she sat on RBL’s Board of Trustees. As a Standard Bearer, she took part in the Festival of Remembrance. “What an honour and how poignant that evening was.”
She’s also worked for the Poppy Appeal since 1976, was a Poppy Appeal Organiser for a decade and, before the role changed, served as an RBL Case worker for 17 years.

“I cannot pick a role that has been most rewarding,” she says. “Each has its own highs and lows and rewards in different ways.” But benevolent work is particularly important to her.
“The benevolent work the Women’s Section does for wives, widows and children of our serving and ex-service community is vital, especially with today’s financial climate,” she explains. “As a former case worker, I have seen first-hand how much the Women’s Section’s quarterly annuity means to a widow.”
The Women’s Section’s President Award also means a great deal to her, as it helps to support young people with a service connection with university costs.
In 2020, she received an OBE for “Services to the Serving and Ex-Service Community”, receiving her award from HRH The Princess Royal. “How appropriate,” says Pat, “the President of the Women’s Section!”
There is a fun side too, such as sitting in a bed and being pushed around the village by Women’s Section members dressed as poppy dollies. “What laughs and fun we had,” she says, “plus raising the profile of the Women’s Section.”
For Pat, the meaning of membership has many parts. “It brings greater knowledge, comradeship and friendship. The latter is precious, just knowing someone is there when you need an ear is very appreciated for many – myself in particular. I have to say the RBL – and the Women’s Section in particular – have been a life saver.

Did you know?
Did you know that Legion magazine is also available for anyone to read as a PDF on the RBL website? If you haven’t yet caught up on the latest stories, visit our website!

March 2025 

RBL National Chaplain
We would like to inform you that a successor to our former National Chaplain, Scott Brown, should
be appointed later in the year. The new National Chair, who will be in post mid-May, will take the
lead on the appointment with the aim that Scott’s successor will be in post ahead of Remembrancetide 2025.

Scott stepped down in September, having led services for memorable events such as Annual
Conference 2024 – a special time for us when the three National Standards were charged together
for the first time in our history. We would like to extend a warm thank you to Scott and look forward
to sharing news of his successor with you later in the year.

RBL hosts MPs and Peers at Speaker’s Apartment
Last month, RBL hosted over 60 MPs and Peers at the Speaker’s House in Parliament, giving MPs
the opportunity to hear more about the needs and experiences of the Armed Forces community in
the UK, and the work RBL does to support them.

The Speaker’s House is the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Commons and is only
available to those organisations invited by the Speaker. We were thrilled to have been given the
opportunity to host an event in such a historic space.

Speakers at the event included the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay
Hoyle MP, the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns OBE MC MP, and RBL National Chair,
Jason Coward. Attendees also heard from Gemma Barnes, vice-captain of RBL’s Invictus Team UK,
who shared her inspiring recovery journey. The event reinforced the need for continued
collaboration to ensure the Armed Forces community’s voices are heard.

Director General gives evidence to Defence Select Committee
On Tuesday 4 February, Mark Atkinson appeared before the Defence Select Committee to discuss
how the Armed Forces Covenant can better support veterans, serving individuals, and their families.
His testimony was part of a wider review of the Covenant’s effectiveness, impact and future after the
Government promised to strengthen the Covenant Duty in its election manifesto.

Mark gave oral evidence alongside Lieutenant General (Rtd) Sir Nick Pope, Executive Chair of the
Confederation of Service Charities (Cobseo), before a cross-party group of MPs, the Defence Select
Committee, chaired by Tan Singh Desai MP.

“What membership means to me”
When Adrian Leslie – now RBL’s Public Affairs and Campaigns Manager, Wales – was recovering from life
changing lung surgery, he didn’t know the RBL could help him. “And they didn’t know I needed help,” he says. But that all changed the day he was stopped in the street by a stranger. The man, who had spotted Adrian’s Royal Navy rugby shirt, was the Chair of the local RBL branch. He asked Adrian if he had served and invited him to come along for a pint and a chat if ever he was at a loose end.

That simple act of camaraderie led to Adrian becoming an RBL member. In time, he become a
Branch Secretary and then a Legion Independent Examiner; and when he became interested in
welfare, he travelled to Cardiff to help out as a welfare admin worker, logging and filing cases and
sending archive cases to storage.

“As I was not working, I volunteered,” he says. “And for the first time in nearly two years, I felt like I
had some social and community worth again.”
When his health improved, Adrian was ready for a new direction. He first became an Advice and
Information Officer and then a Membership Support Officer (MSO). Being an MSO, he says, was
perfect for him. “I have always been a people person and enjoy helping others.” Finally, he joined
Campaigns, Policy and Research where, he says, he works with “a great team”.

Other than his health, Adrian says he had transitioned well into civilian life – even though
resettlement in the 1980s just “meant a train ticket home”. But when Covid struck, he began to
struggle.

“Being in an extremely vulnerable group took its toll, and after all the restrictions were lifted, I found
myself avoiding people, which was most unlike me. My confidence had gone on the inside, although
I managed to hide it.”

Adrian turned to RBL for support and was placed on a residential mental health recovery course at
the Battleback Centre. “The experience was life changing as far as regaining my confidence. It was
also a fantastic group of people all helping each other.” Since then, some graduates of the course,
called Recovery through Comedy, have performed standup comedy at RBL’s Annual Conference
and even the Edinburgh Fringe.

From being a member, Adrian has been an RBL volunteer, colleague and beneficiary. For him, he
says, RBL membership is “about being part of a community that offers opportunities to make a
positive impact on others, while also receiving the support you need.” Although not all branches are
always in the position to achieve this, he feels it’s a great thing to aim for.
It’s also something he has experienced from different perspectives. “It’s funny to think that over the
last 15 years, I’ve helped many people as a Legion member and a member of staff. I’ve also
received help as a beneficiary.

“None of this would have happened if a Legion member hadn’t invited me for a pint.”

February 2025

New membership merchandise now available
We’re delighted that updated membership merchandise is now available on the Poppy Shop website. This updated collection features the Tudor Crown on items including jewels, beret badges, ties and more.

We’re here to help
Last year saw the launch of our simplified membership enquiry process. We streamlined how you can get in touch with us. To ensure you get the answers or support needed, please send your general membership questions and enquiries to Membership Services at membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk.

Help end to the unfair treatment of military compensation
Veterans like Pauline Coleman, who served in the Royal Corps of Signals, face the unfair treatment of their military compensation as income when assessed for means-tested benefits. This undermines the Armed Forces Covenant, which promises to ensure fair treatment for those who serve and have served.

By treating military compensation as income, some of the poorest veterans and their families are pushed beyond the eligibility threshold for Pension Credit, unfairly missing out on thousands of pounds in support that civilians can access. For Pauline, this meant her Pension Credit dropped from £70 to just £10.42, leaving her in financial hardship. 

Our Credit Their Service campaign is seeking to end this injustice by calling on the Government to
exempt military compensation from means-tested benefit calculations at the national level. To do
this, we need the help of you and your members to make sure all MPs are aware of Pauline’s story
and take a stand in support of our campaign.

If you’ve had similar experiences to Pauline, please contact us at campaigns@britishlegion.org.uk.

January 2025

Looking ahead to Annual Conference

Ringing in the New Year means we’re just five months away from Annual Conference 2025 in Harrogate. Registration opens next Tuesday (14th of January) via the RBL website and closes 30th of March for in-person attendees and on 22nd of April for virtual attendees. Please note that the deadline for Nominations for Place of Conference is 5pm Friday 11th of April 2025.

Annual Membership Awards

We’re delighted that the Annual Membership Awards are returning for Conference 2025, allowing us to come together and celebrate the incredible hard work and success of our dedicated members, officers, branches, counties, districts and sections. All winners (or their representatives) will be awarded with a plaque on stage as we celebrate and mark their achievements together. 

We encourage you to submit your nominations by 14th February – there is nothing to be lost and
everything to gain! You can view a list of awards and their criteria on pages 4 and 5 of the application
form available on MAP. Please send your applications in to Membership Services at
membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk.

Discounts and offers

If you’re planning to attend Annual Conference in person, be sure to look at the discounts and offers
available through the Harrogate Convention Centre’s website. These are available for travel, accommodation, dining out, shopping and more in and around Harrogate. For travel to and from
Harrogate by train with LNER, discounted tickets are available through the website using discount
code HCC25, following the instructions and T&Cs.

Remembering the end of the Second World War
Share your stories

2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War (WWII), with Victory in Europe (VE)
Day on 8 May and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on 15 August. RBL is planning events to mark these momentous anniversaries to ensure that the service and sacrifice of the WWII generation is
always remembered.
Everyone in modern Britain has a connection to those who served during WWII, either through
their family or community heritage. RBL activities will thank surviving veterans and pay tribute to
those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives, without whom the way of life we enjoy
today would not have been possible.
A form is available on our website for people to submit their stories of service in the Second World
War, memories of VE and VJ Day, and to express interest in attending events in 2025. We want to
hear from you, and we need your help to spread the word amongst WWII veterans and their
families in your community.

A day at the Grand Military Gold Cup

Come and show your support for our Surrey Standard Bearers at Sandown Park Racecourse’s
Grand Military Gold Cup Day, Friday 24th January 2025! The Grand Military Gold Cup Day, has
run since 1841, providing opportunities for military riders to perform on a grand stage and, more
generally, is a celebration of the three Armed Forces who protect us.
Tickets are available at a reduced price of just £5 per person when using RBBL25 at checkout for
all those who have served, are friends or family of service personnel, or who have an active RBL
membership. Sandown Park is based in Esher, Surrey – less than an hour’s train ride from London
Waterloo, and less than 10 minutes’ drive from the A3. Get you tickets on their website.

Thank you for your support of the Poppy Appeal 2024

The Poppy Appeal team would like to say a huge thank you to you all for supporting the 2024
Poppy Appeal. We had an incredible campaign, distributing over 30 million poppies and 125,000
wreaths, enabling people across the nation to take part in remembrance.
The 2024 London Poppy day raised an extraordinary £1,285,000. – a 28% increase on last year –
thanks to our incredible volunteers and members! These contributions allow us to provide crucial
support to the Armed Forces community and their families whenever they need it.
We could not do it without you, and we would love to see you again for Poppy Appeal 2025.

Branch Community Support update – January 2025
BCS Video

We’re excited to launch our new video promoting Branch Community Support (BCS); designed to
inspire new Supporters to get involved and to increase awareness of what BCS entails. You can
find the video on the BCS webpage and YouTube.  https://youtu.be/-msucghfeas

Lost Contact Process for BCS beneficiaries

For both telephone buddying and home visits, we have aligned our processes with that of RBL’s welfare team to support a ‘Lost Contact Process’. This is when a BCS Supporter has been unsuccessful in gaining contact with a beneficiary despite attempts to call or visit. The process can be found on the BCS webpage.

“What membership means to me”

We find out what motivates some of our members to demonstrate the purpose and values of membership. This month, we speak to Laura Hosking, Hereford and Worcestershire Membership Engagement Officer, pictured below with Johnny Mercer.
From beneficiary, to member, to colleague, Laura Hosking says her RBL journey has been a good one. As
the MEO for Hereford and Worcestershire, she’s worked for RBL since July 2023 and loves interacting with
branches and members.
But around 20 years ago, she was in a very different place. Faced with eviction, she had turned to
the RBL for help.
“I was at my wits end,” she says. “My son was about four years old, and I was about to be thrown
out of my house because of a mistake with my benefits. I called the Legion and they got everything
sorted.” Within a few months her finances were back on track and, she says, she hasn't looked
back.
Because of RBL's help, Laura decided that as soon as her finances improved, she would join as a
member. “And I always promised myself that if I saw a job in the Legion, I would take it.”
RBL membership, she says, means having support and contact with other members and staff.
“This means never feeling lonely and knowing there is always someone to talk to.”
An RAF veteran, Laura joined up in 1988 and served for almost 10 years. “I served in various
operational theatres throughout Northwest Europe and the UK. I spent time at RAFs Swinderby,
Cranwell, Ascension Island, Leeming and Bruggen in Germany.

“Ascension Island was by far my most enjoyable posting as I love animals and nature and there
was lots to do.”
Having been a beneficiary and being a member, she says, helps with her work. “It helps as
knowing what the membership needs has helped me when dealing with member inquiries.”
Requests for help can be interesting and varied, such as a request from a teacher who wants to
connect with a veteran for Remembrance or for a standard bearer to attend the funeral of a
veteran.
"It can be so important to have a standard bearer at a funeral,' she says. "I've told my son that
when I go, I want to have a flag draped on my coffin and a standard bearer there."
The best bit about being an MEO, she says, is going out to the branches and meeting the people
and supporting them to be more active. "I've managed to get a branch back in that's been out in
the cold. I suggested they do 'meet ups' rather than 'meetings'. It was only about five of them who
came along to the first one, but there were two who wouldn't normally come.”
Laura encourages colleagues who don't know about membership to find out about their local
branches.
They are all different, she says. Some may be "all singing all dancing and others can be tiny". But
what's important, she adds, is that "the beliefs of the RBL come through the membership.

November 2024

RBL Elections 2024/25 – Call for nominations

Nominations are currently open for RBL’s next National Chair, National Vice Chair, three new trustees for the Board of Trustees, and 12 representatives for the Membership Council. If you have the skills, knowledge and capacity to represent RBL, please register your interest in being nominated with your branch by 17th January 2025. Full details of the elections process have been shared with all Voting Branches; please contact your branch for a copy of this information.

Beret Badge availability

We apologise that beret badges are currently unavailable to order from RBL’s Poppy Shop. This is due to the redesign of the badges to incorporate The King’s Tudor Crown. New badges should be available to order from the Poppy Shop towards the end of November. Thank you for your continued patience.

Annual Conference 2025 – key information

We look forward to welcoming many of you to Harrogate next May, or having you join in online, and are pleased to share the following ‘at a glance’ information:
• Date: 16th - 18th May 2025
• Venue: Harrogate Convention Centre, North Yorkshire
• Format: Hybrid – attend in-person or online
• Travel: Situated in the middle of town, the convention centre is a seven-minute walk or short taxi ride away from Harrogate train station
• Parking: There are 158 parking spaces at the venue and 1,200 within walking distance
• Accessibility: Includes step-free access, wheelchair seating, induction loops, accessible toilets and changing places

“What membership means to me”

We find out what motivates some of our members to demonstrate the purpose and values of membership. This month, we speak to Hayden Langston: Branch Treasurer & Standard Bearer, Oakengates and District.
Hayden may be the youngest branch treasurer in RBL history. Now aged 19, he has been a treasurer for a
little while – but his activity as a member doesn’t stop there. In addition to being a Standard Bearer, Hayden was co-opted onto the County Committee to grow the county’s social media presence and is also  working towards updating the County’s branch websites.
Yet Hayden says that when he joined Shropshire Army Cadet Force back in 2018, he had no military ambitions and knew nothing of RBL.
“Little did I know that over the next few years that would all change,” he says.
After becoming an Army Cadets Detachment Standard Bearer aged 14 and teaching ceremonial cane and rifle drill to senior cadets across the county, he became interested in the forces. On his sixteenth birthday, he began the enlistment process to become an Aviation Groundcrew Specialist in the British Army, with the hopes of becoming a pilot.
Less than a year later, though, an injury during training brought his ambitions to an end. With no backup plan, Hayden says he “felt lost”.
“After being told by the education system for five years that I would get nowhere without a degree, I
didn’t know what to do.”
He began working in the finance department of an international office supplies company. “At the same time, I was head-hunted by the Legion to become the Oakengates & District Branch Standard Bearer.”
Hayden used his connections to train Cadet Detachment Standard Bearers to the Legion Standard, “promoting the Legion’s charitable aims to the youth in the process”. Shortly afterwards, he was appointed as the Branch Treasurer.
Hayden balances his Legion activities with work. In March 2023, he began dairy farming – working up to 60 or 70 hours a week while ensuring he remains an active member.
Recently, he co-organised a fundraiser in which eight youth members and five full members climbed Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) to raise funds so that 50 local veterans could be taken on an annual day trip to visit the National Memorial Arboretum. “In total we raised £985 as of mid-August and we are hopeful the figure continues to rise,” he says.
Hayden says that as a younger member, he enjoys all aspects of the Legion. “Making a difference is so important and to be able to contribute towards the local community is immensely rewarding,” he says. “I particularly enjoy engaging with other branches, helping them develop further to increase their presence.”
He also enjoys training other young people, helping them to gain experience that will appeal to employers. “Hopefully assisting them further in their life – it also helps secure the Legion’s place in the future, ensuring the continuity of local branches,” he says.
He adds: “Membership to me is commitment to supporting those who have committed their lives to
the nation and ensuring they get the support they deserve.”

October 2024

RBL’s position on white poppies and how red poppies support beneficiaries

RBL’s red poppy is a universal symbol of Remembrance and hope. RBL red poppy wreaths are
available through the Poppy Shop for those wishing to take part in an Act of Remembrance.
Importantly, funds raised by the red poppy support our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in
their time of need.

We understand that some people may wish to lay a white poppy wreath or wear a white poppy at
Remembrance. Whilst RBL have no objection, we would ask that they consider using the red poppy
alongside it as an act of respect for the service and sacrifice of Britain’s Armed Forces, veterans, and
their families.

Remembrance volunteering – volunteer at London Poppy Day on 31st October

This one-day 7am-7pm street collection mobilises over 1,000 uniformed personnel from the Royal
Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, along with an additional 1,000 veterans, volunteers, and
supporters. The day brings communities together, creating one of the only opportunities in the year
where uniformed personnel can engage directly with the public.

Register to be part of this exciting and unique day by visiting the website. London Poppy Day volunteers will be provided with a food voucher if volunteering for the day as well as travel passes that grant free travel the day before, the day of and the day after London Poppy Day across the National Rail network, and on the day across the TfL network.

Help us out for the Poppy Appeal Across 24th October – 10th November

We are aiming to build on our incredible 2023 campaign and raise even more to support our
beneficiaries. We still have several districts for which we need Poppy Appeal Organisers, and we also
need more collectors nationwide.

We would love for your help, and we’d encourage you to get involved, and bring family & friends – volunteers don’t have to be connected to the RBL to take part!

Register online on the website, or email: poppyappealvolunteering@britishlegion.org.uk

Festival of Remembrance – ticket update

If you have purchased tickets for this year’s Festival of Remembrance, further details will be shared
in due course. Due to security around the event, tickets will not be posted until approximately 10 days
before the event.

Remembering Afghanistan

This year, RBL will remember the 10th anniversary of the end combat operations by British Armed
Forces in Afghanistan (Operation Herrick). The UK had a military presence in Afghanistan from
October 2001, when troops were deployed as part of the NATO response to the 9/11 attacks, and
then as part of the International Security Assistance Force which initially provided security and
reconstruction teams. In 2006, British forces were sent to Southern Afghanistan to tackle a growing
insurgency in the region and experienced their heaviest fighting in Helmand.

By 2010, numbers of UK personnel reached their peak with 10,000 deployed across Afghanistan.
Later the same year, discussions began over the withdrawal of NATO forces and, in 2014, Britain
formally ended all combat operations in the country.

Some 150,000 British Armed Forces personnel served in Afghanistan, and 457 lost their lives. The
RBL will honour the service and sacrifice of those who served in Afghanistan and Operation Herrick
with a short ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire, on Saturday 26th October
2024. To register to attend, please visit the RBL website and complete the registration form.
Registration closes on Monday 7th October or when capacity is reached. If you have any questions,
please contact RemembranceEvents@britishlegion.org.uk

Credit their Service campaign – one year on

The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland’s Credit Their Service campaign aims to end military
compensation being unfairly counted as income when assessing eligibility for welfare meanstested benefits. This injustice impacts some of the poorest veterans and their families outside of councils in England that already exempt military compensation.

Over the past year, thanks to the support from members like you, 30 more councils in England now
disregard military compensation entirely in their means tests for local benefits. While progress has
been made, there’s still work to be done to ensure fair treatment nationwide. That is why this
campaign forms part of our top priorities for the Government.

Commemorating Antwerp, “a very proud and brave city”

In September, invited by the Antwerp Branch, David Tannock,MEO for Overseas, had the privilege of attending the commemoration of the liberation of Antwerp – also attended by RBL’s Director General Mark Atkinson, Chief of Staff Clare Waterworth and MC Representative for South West Midlands Adrian Wright.

Eighty ago, Antwerp was liberated by British and Canadian forces. The Second British Army (11th Armoured Division) seized the Old Town and Port of Antwerp with its equipment virtually intact on 4th September 1944. The city had been targeted for its large shipyard and docks and its pre-war population of 35,000 Orthodox Jews.

In 1942, when the Nazis demanded the police round up 1,000 Jews for deportation, within 48 hours the police had located and hidden 700. In revenge the Nazis executed 32 police officers and deported 43. Antwerp was also one of the first cities to be targeted by the V1 and V2 rockets.

Events, attended by the current and former Mayors of Antwerp, Ambassadors for Australia, Canada and Germany and, informally, the British Ambassador who was not formally in post at the time, included:
• WW1 memorial at Stadspark, held at the Monument for the fallen of the 5th, 15th, and 25th
Line Regiment (Monument voor de gesneuvelden van het 5de, 15de en 25ste Linieregimen).
• Chemins de mémoire (memorial of victims) to the V1 and V2 rockets. At the same time, Adrian
Wright and the Branch Chair attended the memorial to the police who were executed and
deported during the war. In the afternoon a reception where the Defence Attache and
Ambassadors attended to watch the Liberation Parade. In the evening, RBL members
attended a tour and talk on HMS Cattistock, which had been invited to the city for the event.
• The Tank Ceremony organised and managed by the Antwerp Branch RBL followed by the
commemoration for the new Memorial to all victims 1938-1945.

A very proud and brave city that deserved commemorating!

September 2024

London Poppy Day 2024

Taking place on Thursday, October 31st, London Poppy Day is the flagship fundraising event for RBL’s annual Poppy Appeal. This one-day street collection from 7am - 7pm mobilises more than 1,000 uniformed personnel from the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, plus 1,000 veterans, volunteers, and supporters - many of whom are dedicated RBL members.

This is an exciting and unique opportunity to be part of one of the largest fundraising collections of its kind, as well as for communities to engage with uniformed personnel. The presence and efforts of these volunteers are crucial in ensuring the success of the event, allowing for significant fundraising that directly benefits those who have served, and their loved ones.

To get involved, please register at London Poppy Day | Poppy Appeal | Royal British Legion.

Volunteers will be provided with a food voucher if volunteering for the day as well as travel passes for the day before, the day of and the day after London Poppy Day across the National Rail network, and on the day across the TfL network.

Will you help us to continue influencing the Government’s agenda?

Last month we asked for your help with spreading the word about our latest campaign. And thanks to your support, we have been able to reach more than 300 MPs! But there is still more to do and we are calling on all MPs to commit to Supporting those who Serve Us so that our Armed Forces community receive the support they so deserve for their sacrifice and Service.

We still need your help to reach as many MPs as possible and ensure that our Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged because of their Service. Contacting your MP helps us to continue influencing the Government’s agenda.

Will you support our campaign further by asking your members to write to their MP using this link? By sharing this message with your members, you’re helping us create the change we want so see for our Armed Forces community.

If your members receive any responses their MP, please ask them to forward them to campaigns@britishlegion.org.uk. Thank you!

Do you serve in local government or know somebody that does?

Following a campaign led by RBL, the Armed Forces Covenant - outlining the nation’s obligation to look after those who have served and their families - was enshrined into legislation in 2011 and has been signed by every local authority in Great Britain.

Alongside working with national and devolved government, the RBL Campaigns, Policy and Research team engages with local government to advocate for our Armed Forces community.

The team invite all members who are also representatives of local government in England and Wales - from Town, Community and Parish Councils to directly-elected Mayors – to join our Councillor Network. Join our Councillor Network | Royal British Legion.  Members of the Network will receive regular communication about how local government can support our Armed Forces community, and about the wider work of RBL.

If you do not serve in local government but would like to support our work, please join our Campaigner Community.

August 2024

Membership questions and answers

Last month saw the launch of our simplified enquiry process. Please ensure all general membership
questions and enquiries, including those around membership events, Annual Conference
and membership details are sent to Membership Services  membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk

March past the Cenotaph 2024
You can now sign up to take part in the March Past the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday 2024.
If you're a veteran who is not a member of or affiliated to a service or unit association, you can
register to join the March Past the Cenotaph through RBL.
Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis and will be restricted to UK and
Commonwealth veterans from the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and the Merchant Navy. You
can find further information and the link to register on the RBL website.

Poppy Appeal 2024

Help us out across the nation 24th October - 11th November. We are aiming to build on the incredible campaign in 2023 and raise even more to support our beneficiaries. We still have several districts for which we need Poppy Appeal Organisers, and we also need more collectors nationwide. We would love for your help, and we’d encourage you to get involved, and bring family and friends. You don’t have to be connected to RBL to volunteer for Poppy Appeal activities.
You can register online using this form, by email at poppyappealvolunteering@britishlegion.org.uk  or by phone on 0345 8451945. Thank you

Will you ask your members to contact their MP and help us to continue influencing the
Government’s agenda?
With our General Election campaign now over, we want to thank all our members who contacted
their local parliamentary candidates to tell them about our manifesto and ask for their support. We
reached nearly 2300 parliamentary candidates across 466 constituencies!
The Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland are committed to ensuring the needs of the Armed
Forces community are at the forefront of the minds of all new and returning MPs.
The election of MPs to a new Parliament and appointment of a new Government provides an
important opportunity for us to ensure that our Armed Forces community are not disadvantaged
because of their Service and receive the support they deserve

July 2024

Membership Fee Increase
At Annual Conference 2024, the motion to increase membership fees was carried. We fully
understand that nobody likes to see price increases, but there has not been one for a few years and
this change will help us provide the best service to our valued members.
Starting this September, the membership fee will increase by £2 each year for the next five years,
until 2028. This means that from the 4th of September, new members and those renewing will pay
£20. The change will take place automatically at renewal.

Centenarian Membership update
We are pleased to announce that the first group of centenarian memberships have now been
awarded. All those members 100 years and older should have received their new membership and
certificate in the post. This work has been undertaken following the passage of Motion 2 at Annual
Conference 2022.
Centenarian membership awards those who reach 100 years old with membership free of charge to
honour and celebrate achieving such a remarkable milestone in their life. If a member in your branch
is entitled to centenarian membership and has not yet received their certificate, please contact
membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk

Festival of Remembrance 2024 tickets
The RBL Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 9
November 2024 with performances at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets will go on sale to RBL members online
via See Tickets on 23 July and 30 July for the evening and afternoon performances respectively.
Tickets will not be available until these dates.
For the specific time that tickets will go on sale, please refer to the RBL Festival of Remembrance
webpage closer to the date. A Festival of Remembrance holding page will be available in due course
through the See Tickets link. Once live, festival tickets can also be found by searching on the See
Tickets website.

As per previous years, tickets are not available to purchase over the phone as See Tickets do not
have this as an option. We use an external ticket provider due to a Metropolitan Police requirement
that everyone attending must have a named ticket due to the security around this event.
Should you have any questions about Festival of Remembrance, please contact
festival@britishlegion.org.uk.

Help us to raise £2 million more this Poppy Appeal!
Thanks to the incredible support of our Poppy Appeal Organisers and collectors, 2023 was a
fantastic year for the Poppy Appeal raising £50 million, enabling us to provide much needed support
to the Armed Forces Community.
Our key focus now is recruitment. How can you help?
• Do you know anyone in your community who might be willing to support us?
• Do you have a network on social media and would be willing to share our social media content
which appeals for volunteers?
• Would you be prepared to take on an organiser role, or become a Poppy Appeal collector?

Remembering Kosovo – 25 Years On
On 23 June we recognised both former serving personnel as well as those currently serving who
have supported the peace-keeping mission in Kosovo with a commemorative event at the National
Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire.
June saw the significant milestone of the 25th anniversary of the end of the War in Kosovo and the
deployment of the NATO peace-support force, KFOR. For a quarter of a century, British forces have
been dedicated to support the maintenance of peace and stability in Kosovo.
The event – held within the Armed Forces Memorial at the NMA – remembered the service and
sacrifice of veterans, their families and currently serving personnel. The British Army Band Catterick
provided music, and former personnel from each of the services recounted their memories of supporting the peace in Kosovo and gave a sense of the wide-ranging duties of British personnel.
Among those giving their testimonies was former marine Royal Marine Commando Harris Tatakis
who was on his first operational deployment. Harris remarked: “I learned things that have stayed with
me and have been useful in situations I found myself in later, on deployment in Iraq and
Afghanistan… British forces won hearts and minds in Kosovo; the experience of working with
civilians made me a better Marine; and I feel we had saved a lot of lives and left Kosovo in a better
place”. 

Celebrating the Armed Forces in Warwick
Warwick RBL Branch, in collaboration with Warwickshire and Birmingham County President, Elaine
Butler and Warwick District Council, held a community event for Armed Forces Day to celebrate and
thank current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Developed around the theme of ‘our allies’, the event was bigger than usual and aimed to engage a
diverse community with Armed Forces Day. The day included a Sikh Gatka martial arts display and
Khukuri Gurkha dance, while catering options included a Sikh Langar. Additionally, displays from
local military museums, Commonwealth War Graves, the Sikh Soldier, and Why Are West Indians
were on offer, as well as diverse musical performances and free children’s activities and food.
Planning of the event was undertaken with the support of Warwickshire and Birmingham County
President, Elaine Butler, who previously worked on the Solihull Armed Forces Community Garden,
which was recently featured in ITV’s Alan Titchmarsh's Gardening Club. Discussing the event, Elaine
said: “Warwick wanted to go for an AFD event but hadn't been very successful in previous years, so
asked if I would join them and assist with the planning. Consequently, this became a very large
Event.”
Elaine continued: “The RBL is now associated with a new group of people, previously not so high
profile, and I am thrilled for us and the public who hopefully see us in a new and innovative local
role. Encouraging Councils and organisations to partner on projects is so beneficial to everyone and
forms excellent relationships.”

D-Day Commemorations in Germany
Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia
To commemorate D-Day 80, the RBL District of Germany held a Memorial Service attended by
members of the local garrison, the Anglo German Club, the English Language Christian Mission in
North West Europe and veterans.

The service began with a parade of standards by the District Standard Bearers under the command
of Robert Thompson, District Parade Marshal. An Act of Remembrance was recited by Robert Millar,
District Chairman, with two minutes silence and dipped standards. After this, Paderborn Branch
President Lieutenant Colonel David Crimmins recited a bible reading, followed by a reflection held
by the Reverend Richard Downes BEM, Royal British Legion Germany Chaplain.
After the Service, the District Chairman awarded Robert Thompson with the runners up certificate of
the Lewis Shield, a National RBL Award presented to a disabled person who has inspired people to
observe the objects and values of the Legion. The event concluded with a buffet prepared by Bryan
Seal, Paderborn Branch Treasurer. Overall the event was a good success and raised €124 for the
Poppy Appeal through donations.
Robert Millar would like to thank the Branch for hosting the event, and the Standard bearers for doing
what they do without any fuss. A big thank you is extended to Padre Richard for stepping in at short
notice and preparing an interesting service.
For further information regarding the Royal British Legion Overseas, contact Robert Millar, Overseas
Membership Council Representative, on rmillar@britishlegion.org.uk.

Remembering D-Day in South Wales
Gwent, South Wales
A recent event in Gwent got a mention in the Senedd and was picked up by local press.

To commemorate 80 years since D-Day, Blackwood RBL branch
organised a morning of remembrance, with more than 100 people,
including Veterans, serving personnel and local school children,
paying their respects in a ceremony at Cefn Fforest Cenotaph.
Afterwards, there was a chance of pace, with school children singing
both national anthems and a choir performing old classics like Run
Rabbit Run. Food, a wartime memorabilia display, 1940’s hairstyling
and more were on offer to attendees, creating an engaging event for
all.
The event was a big success and well attended, including by local politicians and dignitaries,
including Lord Don Touhig. 

June 2024

A thank you on Volunteers’ Week
This week, as we celebrate the contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK, The
Membership Directorate would like to say a very heartfelt thank you for volunteering your time, skills,
and passion with RBL.
We are grateful to all those who volunteer - from our County and Branch Officers who work tirelessly
to keep RBL’s presence strong in their local area – ensuring our Armed Forces Community has friends
and allies in every community, to our Poppy Appeal volunteers who raise millions of pounds each year
and keep the message of Remembrance strong.
There are so many RBL volunteers across the UK and overseas, and each and every one plays an
important part in what we do - and for that, we give a huge thank you.

Annual Conference 2024 wrap-up
This year we saw over 500 Delegates and visitors attend Annual Conference in person in Newport,
with almost 250 joining us online. A very busy weekend was also a weekend of firsts for RBL,
including in the opening of Conference on Saturday – look out for July’s Legion magazine to find
out more!
Conference gave us an opportunity to celebrate the excellence of our members, clubs and
formations in the Annual Membership Awards presentation ceremony. The awards recognise those
who work so passionately in the name of RBL and its values, and we extend our sincere
congratulations to all the winners and runners-up. We will share more about their achievements on
the Annual Conference webpage soon.
However, we cannot remember the weekend without reflecting on the passing of National
President Vice Admiral Sir Clive Johnstone KBE CB shortly after the close of Conference. Sir Clive
was incredibly passionate about RBL and believed deeply in our vital work. At the opening of
Conference, he spoke with unflinching passion about this organisation and the work that we do,
emphasising the importance of coming together and working in union.
Thank you to all who attended and helped make the event a successful, productive Conference.
We also want to thank Conference attendees who took part in our post-event feedback survey.
This has provided us with valuable insights to help deliver Conference going forward.

D-Day 80 Commemorations
We will be marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day, on 6th June 2024, with events in the UK and
Normandy, as well as with community events around the UK.
1. National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) Service – 6th June
Alongside a public service, RBL will welcome D-Day and Normandy veterans and their families in a
VIP area. The NMA will remain open to the public on 6th June and visitors are welcome to watch the
service in the grounds, commencing at 2pm. Visit the webpage for further information.
2. Service of Commemoration marking the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings – 5th
June
RBL will be holding an event at the Bayeux War Cemetery, France for Normandy and other WW2
veterans, families of the fallen, and descendants of Normandy veterans.
3. British National Event to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings – 6th June
With the Ministry of Defence, RBL will hold the British National Event at the Ver-Sur-Mer British
Normandy Memorial in France to mark the 80th Anniversary of the Normandy Landings. This event
will be broadcast on the BBC at 9:30am UK time on Thursday 6th June.

Developing future Remembrance initiatives
Each year, individuals from across the UK and overseas unite to honour the service and sacrifice of
our Armed Forces community. We’re eager to learn how supporters and members have connected
with their local communities to inspire participation in Remembrance activities and have produced a
brief survey. We would appreciate a few minutes of your time - your feedback will help to inform the
development of future Remembrance initiatives. You can take the survey here. Thank you.

Remembering Kosovo: 25 Years On
This year RBL will remember the 25th anniversary of the end of the Kosovo War, which saw the
deployment of the NATO-led international peacekeeping force – KFOR. 2024 also marks the 75th
anniversary of the establishment of NATO. RBL will honour the service and sacrifices of those who
served with KFOR with a Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum,
Staffordshire, on Sunday 23rd June 2024.
We look forward to welcoming all Armed Forces personnel who served with NATO’s KFOR mission
and/or their families to join us for the service. To attend, please register online by Monday 10th June.
Should you have any questions please contact remembranceevents@britishlegion.org.uk.

Teaching Remembrance
RBL's Teaching Remembrance Learning Programme offers a wide range of free resources and events
for school children and their teachers, youth groups and families, including:
• Free downloadable learning resources, available online all year round.
• Free in-person and online events, including educational workshops and assemblies.
• Learning activities linked to the National Curriculum and Curriculum for Wales.
In May, the Teaching Remembrance Learning Programme launched a brand-new, free resource to
help young people understand and mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Based on a new book, it
includes a range of reading, writing and creative activities linked to the Second World War and D-Day
and those who served in them. Through these educational activities young people can help to honour
and remember those who experienced these events, keeping their memory alive.

Simpler membership enquiries
We are simplifying the way you can get in touch with membership enquiries, providing a clearer
process and more consistent, timely responses. From 1st July 2024 all general membership
enquiries that are not for your MEO should be sent to membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk.
You can still contact your Membership Engagement Officer (MEO) as usual for matters including:
• Day to day running / management of branches and counties
• Local membership matters
• Compliance queries, including branch accounts and MS1s
All other membership enquiries should be sent to membershipservices@britishlegion.org.uk only.
Please do encourage your members to send their membership enquiries to this address.

Improving membership communications
We are working on a plan to improve our communications with all members at all levels. In order to
make meaningful, positive improvements, it is important we have a clear understanding of what is
going well, what is going less well and what gaps are in need of addressing.
To help us understand this, please use this short survey to share your thoughts on our current
communications and engagement. We would encourage you to share this link with other members.
Your feedback is vital and will help develop our new communications strategy and improve the
membership experience. The survey closes at 5pm on Monday 8th July.

Festival of Remembrance 2024
Our Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 9th
November 2024 with performances at 2pm and 7pm.
• Evening tickets will go on sale to members on Tuesday 23rd July.
• Afternoon tickets will go on sale to members on Tuesday 30th July.
Further information about the festival and how to purchase them will be available soon on the RBL
website. Should you have any questions at this stage, please contact festival@britishlegion.org.uk.

A General Election has been announced - here’s how you can get involved:
On 22nd May, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a General Election will take place on Thursday,
4th July 2024. RBL and PoppyScotland have already launched our Manifesto, highlighting our
priorities for the next UK government to better support our Armed Forces community.
We will need your help to ensure your Prospective Parliamentary Candidates (PPCs) know about
our General Election manifesto and pledge to prioritise better support for our Armed Forces
community if elected. Sign up to our Campaigner Community to receive details on how you can get
in contact with your Parliamentary candidates in the coming weeks.
We need the help of members like you to make sure the next Government prioritises giving our
Armed Forces community the support they deserve for their service and sacrifice.
A campaign win: England to get a Veterans’ Commissioner thanks to your support
In November 2023, we launched a petition calling on the UK government to appoint a Veterans’
Commissioner for England. Veterans’ Commissioners in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are
already dedicated to advocating for the veteran community. We felt it was important to ensure that
the support available to all veterans across the UK is consistent.

Over 1,400 of our supporters, including many members, staff and volunteers, signed our petition
which we delivered to the Office of Veterans’ Affairs in December. Thanks to this work, we are
delighted that the Government will appoint a National Veterans’ Commissioner to cover England.
We will work with the new Commissioner to ensure that our Armed Forces community across the
whole of the UK receives the support they deserve. Read our official statement here.

Bringing remembrance to life
National Memorial Arboretum, Staffordshire
A group of students visiting the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Staffordshire recently got a
taste of what life was like on the home front during World War II.
Visiting a new immersive exhibit, The Year Was 1944, students explored a gallery that had been
transformed into a wartime home and could sit in a replica Anderson Shelter. In a chance encounter
with another visitor, some also heard what it felt like, as a child, to sit in an Anderson Shelter during
an air raid.
The visitor, who was seven years old when the war finished, recalled the days of the bombings. “It
just felt like the norm to hear the air raid sirens and go into the shelters. In fact, me and my friends
would play a game counting how many roof tiles the house and school had lost once it was over.”
This brief conversation inside the replica shelter really brought the exhibit to life for the students who
couldn’t wait to share it with the rest of their group.
The NMA hopes to see many more schools and visitors using the space to learn over the coming
months. The exhibition is open to the public until 3rd November at the National Memorial Arboretum,
Staffordshire.