Dear member,
Happy New Year and welcome to the first edition The RBL Stourbridge Branch’s newsletter for 2026.
There was no branch meeting in December, so the one that took place on the 14th January was the first since the AGM. The meeting was well attended, a big thankyou to all who came. 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 February at 20.00, all branch members are welcome to attend.
The Veterans’ breakfast is on Saturday 17th January was well attended. A big thank you, once again, to Tim, Tracy and the team for their continued support of this event. 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
The annual Poppy Appeal has raised over £37,000! This is a record for Stourbridge, so a big thank you to anyone who donated no matter how small the amount. For the uninitiated the Poppy Appeal isn’t just about the 2 weeks in The Ryemarket and Tesco. The merchandise needs to be collected and allocated into separate boxes. The collection tins need to be catalogued and labelled. The stock is then distributed to local schools, clubs and businesses before the fortnight starts. After Remembrance all the surplus merchandice must be collected in along with the collection tins. The excess stock is recorded then either returned or stored for future use. The cash needs to be counted and banked, with precise records kept of what was in each tin. A great big thank you goes out to Suzanne, the Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO), and her army of volunteers for all their hard work throughout the appeal and for giving up their precious time. Without the volunteers it just doesn’t work, so thanks!
The coach to Twickenham, for the annual Army v Navy rugby match, is almost full! If you wish to go on a reserve list, please contact myself or Sue. Those who have booked a place are reminded that payment is due by 31st January. Other events to look forward to; In the summer we are hoping to organise another buffet lunch and talk by local historian Ken Wright. Also, after the successful evening last year we are looking for to another skittles evening. Who can knock the booties off their perch?
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 29th January 10th and 26th February, 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
Branch website; https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/stourbridge/
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