Stamford Cadet groups
The Branch is actively involved with the youth of Stamford. We are formally affiliated with 2 Squadron (Queens Royal Lancers) of the Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force and 2071 (Stamford) Squadron RAF Air Cadets in helping them in their Cadets in the Community programme.
The Royal British Legion can also issue ‘Access Credits’ for the Service and/or Skills sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
In 2010 The Branch introduced an annual Stamford Cadets’ Standard Bearers’ Competition. The aim was to encourage the Cadets not only to strive for ever higher excellence in Standard bearing but also to forge closer links between the Cadet groups, and with the Branch
The Cadet troops also play an important role in helping with the annual Poppy Appeal in Stamford and in the formal Remembrance events each year.
The Branch had the honour in 2011 of presenting a Citizenship Cup to the Stamford Air Cadets to be awarded each October to the Cadet who has taken part in or organized charity collections, suggested new ideas or new ways for the Squadron to be involved with the local or wider communities.
Stamford Schools
The Branch has close links with schools in Stamford and surrounding villages. Each year Branch Members go into local schools to talk to the children about the meaning of Remembrance, why we wear the Poppy, and the effects of war on the community and people.
The Branch also encourages the schools to bring groups of their children to the Town War Memorial on Armistice Day so that they can see the names inscribed on the Memorial and better understand the meaning of and the need for Remembrance.
Children of Malcolm Sargent Primary School lay their home-made wreaths at the War Memorial.
Joyce Burton Trophy
The Joyce Burton Trophy was commissioned and generously funded in 2012 by Stamford RBL member, Joyce Burton, for presentation each year to the school winning a competition set by the Branch. The competition is open to all primary schools in Stamford and surrounding villages.
Mrs Burton’s daughter, Mrs Susan Lane, presents the Joyce Burton Trophy to Stamford Junior School in 2019.
Each year we suggest a theme which aims to reflect a child’s perspective of current or historical events, preferably with a Legion link, and which will help him or her to understand the meaning of Remembrance and the sacrifices which past generations have made to ensure the rights and security which we all enjoy today. Schools welcome the competition and work closely with the Branch in suggesting and organising painting, poetry and other competitions.
Past themes have been-
2012 - The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; 2013 - a Collage of the children’s faces;
2014 - Designs for a medal; 2015 - 70th Anniversary of VJ Day;
2016 – The Poppy Appeal; 2017 – The Poppy Appeal;
2018 – The centenary of the end of WWI. 2019 – Garden of Remembrance
Joint Schools’ Choir
On 4 October 2019 the Branch produced, in collaboration with Fergus Black, Director of Music at All Saints’ Church, Stamford, an ‘Armistice Cantata’ to mark the Centenary of the Armistice that concluded the hostilities of WW1.
Over 200 children from primary schools in Stamford and surrounding villages took part in the event in the Stamford Corn Exchange Theatre, singing medleys of popular songs from the WWI era in the presence of the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Breda-Rae Griffin.
The schools taking part were The Malcolm Sargent Primary School, The Bluecoat School, St Gilbert’s C of E Primary School, John Clare Primary School in Helpston, Stamford Junior School and The Copthill Independent School, Uffington.
The Branch and Mr Black are organising a second joint schools concert, based upon songs and music from the WWII era, in the Oswald Elliott Hall at Stamford Boy’s School on 3 October 2019.
Youth Membership
If you are between 12 and 16 years old and interested in the work of the Legion, why not join us as a youth member?
As well as showing your support for the Armed Forces community, you can take part in parades as youth standard bearers, or become a majorette.
Youth membership costs just £2.50 a year. If you're interested, simply contact our Branch Secretary.
If you are already a member of an organisation like the Guides, Scouts or one of the Cadet organisations you can affiliate the whole group to your local Royal British Legion branch.
Schools and youth events
Do you or your school have any ideas on how to get involved with The Royal British Legion Stamford Branch?
We're always trying to think up exciting new ways to get youth involved, whether it be poster and poem competitions, school football cups or simply helping us man the various stands we have at events and during the Poppy Appeal.
If you can think of a way to get involved, drop us an e-mail or contact us on Facebook or Twitter
