This will be my final report as Chair - Tony Matthews MBE

Comradeship:

The Branch continues to support and keep in touch with its Members either in person or virtually via email and Teams.  We also have our webpage on the RBL website that is regularly updated with news and stories. 

Representation:

We have worked very closely with the NMA over the last year and supported them on numerus occasions including several high profile events such as VE80, VJ80 and Armistice Day.  VJ80 and Armistice were attended by The King and The Princess of Wales respectively. 

We continue to offer help to other TRBL Branches who wish to visit the NMA and offer a bespoke wreath laying service to all. Of note this year, was facilitating the laying of a wreath at the Changi Lych Gate for a lady and her daughter.  Her father was captured prior to the fall of Singapore and spent the duration of hostilities as a prisoner of the Japanese.  We spent time filling in some of the gaps in his story, providing colour to the experiences he had recounted before his passing. 

The members of the Branch who have helped on the RBL Outreach Point at the NMA have recorded 6,911 conversations with visitors and engaged with many, many more.

The Branch has again been awarded the Churchill Shield.  This is the third time we have won this prestigious honour in recent years.  The Churchill Shield is presented to the National Branch that demonstrates active work in the community, projecting the Values of the Legion and representing the Legion in a positive manner.  This has only been possible with all of your support. 

Remembrance:

Our Standard Bearer, Beth Slade, as well as carrying the Branch standard; has deputised for the National Standard Bearer at events this year and was once again front and centre at the annual Festival of Remembrance. 

The Branch Webpage contains stories of "How You Remember".  Members locally, nationally and internationally have submitted their own acts of Remembrance for us all to share.  If you would like to share your own story with a couple of photographs, please do so through the Secretary. 

Branch Community Support:

With the way our Branch is set up, it can be quite tricky for us to be fully involved in this very important service, providing some comradeship at a difficult time, for individuals that may be socially isolated.

The Branch is looking for someone who can take on the role of Co-ordinator for this service and we would always welcome more supporters to get involved.

The Branch currently has 4 supporters reaching out regularly to a number of beneficiaries in need.

Fundraising:

Our efforts in this area continue, with last year's Poppy Appeal finishing at £13745.77.  An increase of over £2500 on the previous years total. We hope to increase that figure over this next year and have started well with a strong Poppy Appeal 2025. 

Unlike other Branches, we are only able to actively fundraise onsite for the 2 weeks of the annual Poppy Appeal.  If you would like to be involved next year, for a few days or even a few hours, please contact our Poppy Appeal Organiser and new Chair, Rob Dainty. 

Membership:

At the time of this meeting our membership stands at 930.  This is an approximate figure as we have not received an update for some time.