BRANCH, COUNTY AND ROYAL BRITISH LEGION HISTORY 

The Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion, formerly the New Washington and Usworth Branch, used to meet in the Legion Club, now Legends, on Tyne Gardens in Usworth, Washington. The Branch, now named simply Washington, meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7pm in the North Biddick Social Club in Fatfield, Washington. 

The Washington Branch does not stand alone, we are a part of the Northumbria County Branch which was formed in 2008 by amalgamating the former Northumberland and Durham Branches in response to falling member numbers and to streamline support to members and Branches. The Northumbria County Branch has local Branches stretching from Berwick upon Tweed in the North to Darlington in the South. 

The Royal British Legion celebrates its centenary in 2021 having been formed on 15th May 1921 by bringing together four national organisations; The National Association of Discharged Sailors and Soldiers, The British National Federation of Discharged and Demobilized Sailors and Soldiers, The Comrades of the Great War and The Officers Association. In its formative years, the Royal British Legion was led by Field Marshal Earl Haig, who lent his name to the Poppy Appeal, until his death on 29th January 1928 at the age of 66. 

In 1921 the two-minute silence and the Poppy Appeal which we know so well were established with the first Poppy Appeal raising the not inconsiderable sum, in its day, of £106,000. 

In this, its centenary year, the Royal British Legion is firmly focused on its future in supporting the past, present and next generations of the Armed Services Community. We of the Washington Branch have our part to play in this epic task. Our continuing fund-raising efforts and our dedicated support of the Poppy Appeal raise thousands of pounds each year and the Branch thanks each and every one of you for your sterling efforts. 

Our numbers have declined over recent years and support of the Branch by its members has dwindled almost to the point of non-viability. However, new blood is at the helm and are determined to steer the Washington Branch back to full viability but only with your support can we prevail.