2026 is going to be another very busy year for the Retford & District Branch, we are already planning the events we will be holding or attending. We’d love for you to join us in marking this another year to remember.
you can share your skills, experience, and time to support members of the Armed Forces Community in the Retford & District area who need our help.
Volunteering with our Branch can take many forms - helping with the annual Poppy appeal in November or helping out at the events we attend throughout the year from Classic cars to the Apple fair. If you would like to share your skills, experience, and time to support members of the Armed Forces Community in the Retford & District area who need our help please contact our secretary Ann Hickman 01777 818993 or 07377 974790.
These are the events that we already have in the diary:
Commonwealth Day - Bassetlaw District Council will be marking Commonwealth Day along with communities in 53 other countries as part of the international celebration mon 9th March 2026. Please see our Face Book page for further details.
Armed Forces Community Coffee morning - This month’s Coffee morning is on Wendesday 4th March at the Well Church on Hospital Road. 10.00 - 12.00 on 4th February 2026. Come along to sit and chat with other members of the Armed Forces Community over tea & biscuits and if you’re lucky a Sausage roll.
Quiz Night - This year's quiz is on Friday 13th March 7.00 pm for 7.30 start. Come along to the Babworth Sports & Social Club on Babworth Road, Retford, where we will be hosting our annual quiz to raise funds for the Retford & District Branch so we can continue to be here for our Armed Forces Community.
Entry is £3 per person with up to 6 in each team. The prize for the winning team £30. To book your team in please ring Judith Goodall on 01777 707152
Don't miss out—come along, join the fun and see if you can beat the quiz master.
Retford Charter Day on Monday 4th May - The annual celebration of the grant of a royal charter to Retford will see food & craft stalls together with funfairs and family entertainment returning to King' Park and central Retford. As always we will be at Charter day where we look forward to meeting old & new friends.
Gringley on the Hill Open Gardens & Classic Cars Sunday 7th June 2026 -This popular event, in the beautiful village of Gringley-on-the-Hill includes open gardens, and up to 100 classic vehicles are expected.
Ploughing Match - September 2026 dates & location to be confirmed. Amid all the hustle and bustle of modern life, there are certain traditions that remain – even in this age of digital technology and superfast everything! Among the most traditional of activities for agricultural communities, ploughing matches remain extremely popular.
East Markham Apple Fair 4th October 2025 - East Markham is most famously known for its heritage apple orchards and celebrates this wonderful each year with its very own Apple Day, we will be there so come along and meet the team.
Poppy Appeal - This years poppy appeal starts on 22nd October 2026 - Every year thousands of volunteers give their time to support the Poppy Appeal can you give an hour to help support the Poppy appeal in the Retford & District Area.
Volunteers are essential to our fundraising efforts across the UK, ensuring the public can show their support for the Armed Forces community and make a donation for a poppy.
Remembrance Sunday - Will update after the summer
Harworth & Bircotes -
Mines Ceremony 3 o’clock All Saints Church Harworth, 25th January 2026.
Pride Event - Our branch have been invited to attend the Pride event on 6th June at the Civic square.
Further details to follow.
If you would like to contribute to this newsletter, please contact our secretary ann hickman 01777 818993 or 07377 974790
