Dear member,
Welcome to the February edition of The RBL Stourbridge Branch’s newsletter 2026.
We open with the sad news the WW2 and D Day veteran Joe Bullock passed away yesterday, 14th February, at the age of 101. Joe was the most humble man you could ever meet, his enthusiasm for life was infectious and his energy was unbelievable; all that were present will remember he was the first up and dancing at the Dudley Remembers VE Celebration. Joe was a regular attendee at branch events and particularly enjoyed the Veteran’s Breakfasts, he laid a wreath on behalf of the Stourbridge and District RNA. Fair winds and following seas Joe, stand down your watch is done. RIP. Follow link for a couple of pictures Joe
This month’s branch meeting took place on the 11th February and was attended by approximately 14 members, including Mick Sage who joined us via video link from Thailand, a big thankyou to all those who attended. Branch meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at the Old Edwardians Club on Drury Lane, just off Market Street, Stourbridge. The next on is on Wednesday 11th March at 20.00, all branch members are welcome to attend.
The next Veterans’ breakfast is on Saturday 18th April. The planned breakfasts for the rest of the year are Saturdays 18th April 12th September and 28th of November, callings will go out 3 to 4 weeks prior to these dates. If you are a veteran and have not been contacted by us but would like to attend, please get in touch with either myself or Sue, the treasurer, details below. This informal event, which takes place at the Old Edwardians Club is where a group of likeminded people meet to enjoy a discounted breakfast, socialise and raise some money for the charity through the raffle. The cost of the breakfast is £10, and we will need to know if you wish to attend no later than the Wednesday before each event. A big thank you, as always, to Tim, Tracy and the team for their continued support of these events.
Following on from the success of the previous two years, there will be another talk, subject to be confirmed, by local historian Ken Wright followed by a buffet lunch at the Old Edwardians Club on Saturday 6th June, cost tbc. More info on the talk and how to and book a place to follow.
The book is now closed for the coach to Twickenham, for the annual Army v Navy rugby match. Confirmation on timings will appear in next month’s newsletter. No date yet for the skittle but watch this space.
Parkfield Grange Care Home, 31 Hagley Rd, Stourbridge, continue to welcome us hosting Veterans Coffee Mornings on the 2nd Tuesday and last Thursday of each month 10.30-12.00. The next few are 26th February, 10th and 26th March all are welcome. Thanks once again to Emily and her team for being so welcoming and looking after us.
RBL Helpline - 0808 802 8080 from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Contacts
Mick Thompson Chair [email protected]
Diane Hartland Secretary [email protected]
Sue Thompson Treasurer [email protected]
Suzanne Webb PAO [email protected]
John Mannix Standard Bearer [email protected]
Regards
Mick
M J Thompson
RBL Stourbridge Branch Chair
