Latest news & media

Medals

All your questions answered plus information about the new Elizabeth Cross and other recent awards.

Please click the link below to see fuirther details.

http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/medals

Calling all Counties

Once again we are inviting you to inform Head Office of your County Website.

Remember that this is a great way for people in your area to find out what events and activities are being held. Please send your Website Address to Sathomas@britishlegion.org.uk.

Amendments to Ceremonial Handbook

Three amendments have been published on the advice of the Ceremonial Working Group, they are:

Paragraph 5.7.1.1 - The colours of the 50th anniversary pennant were previously incorrect

Paragraph 5.7.1.2 - The colours of the 75th anniversary pennant were previously incorrect

Paragraph 6.2.3.5 - The dress code for WS Standard Bearers has been amended: WS tie now includes "motif prominently displayed"

Please do pass on this information to Standard Bearers and Judges in your area if they do not have access to the internet or a copy of the next edition of the Circular.

Calling all Caseworkers

If you haven't already, please ensure you receive your updated Caseworker training, CRB and new Photo ID.

if you haven't already, please ensure you receive your updated Caseworker training, CRB and new Photo ID.

Annual Conference 2011

Please note that the correct dates for Annual Conference 2011 are 6-8 May. Dates printed in this years Agenda are incorrect.

Standard Bearers

The new With Each Sunset CD may be of great use to you...

One of the tracks on this CD is "The Legion March" which may be useful to you if you are practising for an upcoming competition or training your new Standard Bearer. This CD is priced at £4.50 and available from the Women's Section Head Office. Visit our online shop to purchase your copy or complete and send us your order form.

Poignant tribute to murdered soldiers

A Memorial dedicated to three Scottich soldiers who were lured to their death.

Three Scottish soldiers, Dougald McCaughey and brothers John and Joseph McCaig who were lured to their deaths in one of the most infamous attacks of the Troubles. Relatives have attended a poignant memorial service in Belfast. These three soldiers from Ayr were gunned down by the IRA after being brought from a Belfast bar to the isolated White Brae on March 9^th 1971.

On Saturday 29^th May the family members of these three soldiers held a private memorial service at the site of the atrocity, with a number of veterans from the Royal Highland Fusiliers who had served with these soldiers.

On Sunday 30^th a 15ft obelisk memorial with their carved images was formally dedicated at Ballysillan Avenue followed by a parade of Standards to a drumhead service of remembrance which was attended by approximately 1,000 people. Some of those who were in attendance were the Lord Mayor Naomi Long, North Belfast MP Nigel Dodds, senior members of the Royal British Legion and personnel from ex-service associations.

Standard Bearers Uniform

A Motion was carried at Conference to source a standardised uniform for all WS Standard Bearers.

We are still investigating the issue of a single supplier however, in the meantime we have been advised that Standard Bearers can purchase WRENS uniforms from the following:

Baun & Co - 14 Queens Street, Portsmouth, PO1 3HL. Tel: 02392 822045 

Silvermans - 2 Harford Street, Mile End, London E1 4PS. Tel: 0207 790 0900

You can also purchase cheaper uniforms sold separately (skirt/jacket) from Edinburgh wool shops which are usually found within large garden centres all over the county.

Information and Forms

Please visit our new Downloads tab for information and forms you may require.

Please be aware that we are currently still adding to this list.

Claire Madden   MySpace Page

Information, Music and Videos of Claire now available online.

Please click onto our Links page to be able to find out more about our Ambassador of Song and listen to some of her music.

Women’s Section Day 2010

How is your Branch or County celebrating Women's Section Day this year?

Once your celebrations are arranged please remember to take along your camera and take lots of photos to send to us at Head Office together with an article so they can be printed in the Circular or added onto the Website.

Eastbourne Conference 2011 7th & 8th May

ABS makes it easy for you to book your Conference Accommodation.

Please follow the link below to find out prices and availability during Conference 2011 at Eastbourne.

 www.conferenceeastbourne.com/RBLWomen.   

Let ABS do all the hard work for you.

Regional Standard Bearers are exchanging their uniforms

for their pyjamas!

The 10 current Regional Standard Bearers are organising a sponsored fun run along the promenade of Eastbourne at the 2011 National Conference to help celebrate our 90^th Birthday.

The event is currently planned to take place on Friday the 6^th May in the afternoon at 4 o’clock but do look out for confirmation nearer the time. We do hope that all members will support the girls not only with sponsorship but also on the day with as much encouragement as possible.

The 10 girls taking part are:

Laura Ashton – South Eastern Region

Diane Marrazza – 5 Counties of the South West

Heather Spence – Eastern Region

Beryl Swift – Northern Region

Emma Kearsey – West Midlands Region

Susan Parke – Nothern Ireland

Ann-marie Payne – Wales

Rita Orange – Metropolitan

Dawn Quinney – North West Region

Susan Quittenton – East Midlands

Anyone wishing to donate to the “Fun Run” may do so by sending a cheque to Head Office with a note attached stating “Fun Run”, or print our  Sponsorship Form  and  pass along to Branch or County Members who also may wish to make a donation.

Branch and County Websites

Free Service to publicise and promote your Branch or County events

Chatteris Branch has recently informed us of a website they have found www.inuklocal.co.uk which was designed for use by every town and city in the UK. You can advertise your events, organisations, clubs, etc and all for FREE.

Here is the Link for Chatteris Branch who has just added their piece on to the Website, please do have a look to see what sort of things you can add.

http://chatteris.inuklocal.co.uk/OrganisationsClubs/WomensSection
RoyalBritishLegion101103

Welfare Seminar

There will be a Welfare Seminar during national conference at Eastbourne.

Please cascade this information to all Women’s Section Caseworkers in your area

Date:  Thursday, 05 May 2011

Time:  16:00 to 18:00

Location:  The Gold Room

To RSVP please contact   Jessica Cooper, Welfare Advisor

on:  020 3207 2182

Or at:  jcooper@britishlegion.org.uk

Baby Joy

Sarah Thomas, Secretarial Assistant for the Women's Section, has given birth to a baby boy whilst on Maternity Leave

We are thrilled to announce that Sarah Thomas, Secretarial Assistant for the Women's Section, has given birth to a healthy baby boy named Charlie!

He was born on Thursday 7^th April and weighed in at 7lbs and 9oz. Both Mother and Son are doing very well and we wish them and their family all the best in the coming months.

Sarah is currently on Maternity Leave and will return in Spring 2012.

Staff Changes

The Women's Section is pleased to welcome two new Secretarial Assistants to the team

The Women’s Section is delighted to welcome the arrival of two new Secretarial Assistants.

Alice Kennedy has replaced Rochell Richards and Chiara Raine will be providing maternity cover for Sarah Thomas. Please address any queries or entries for the Circular to Chiara - her contact details are 0203 207 2188 or email craine@britishlegion.org.uk

Alice Kennedy and Chiara Raine selling hats at the 2011 Annual Conference, Eastbourne

The Women’s Section Annual Conference and 90th Anniversary Celebrations

More than 1,200 delegates attended the Women's Section Annual Conference and 90th Anniversary Celebrations last month.

The Royal British Legion’s Women’s Section Annual Conference and 90^th Anniversary Celebration took place on the 6^th- 8^th May at Eastbourne’s Devonshire Park Centre.

More than 1200 people attended the conference over the course of the weekend, with highlights including the Standard Bearer’s competition, a performance by the Section’s Ambassador of Song Claire Madden, a Drumhead Service and the 90^th Anniversary Celebration Tea Party.

The Standard Bearer’s Competition took place on Friday morning and Diane Marazza was awarded 1^st place, becoming the new National Standard Bearer. In the afternoon, ten Regional Standard Bearers swapped their parade uniforms for pyjamas and ran along Eastbourne Pier raising over £5000 for the Women’s Section Benevolent Fund. A reception and dinner was later hosted by the National Chairman, Mrs Cecilia Harper, in honour of the Mayor of Eastbourne, Councillor Carolyn Heaps.

On Saturday morning, the National Chairman formally opened Conference with the National Anthem and Exhortation of Remembrance.  After a short Service conducted by The Reverend Peter Hills ChF (retd), the Mayor of Eastbourne addressed Conference.  Following the election of Mrs Wendy Bromwich, the new National Chairman, delegates listened to a moving speech by Mr Pen Farthing, ex-Royal Marine and founder of NOWZAD, a charity which provides shelter and relief for stay and abandoned animals in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Awards Ceremony took place on the final day of conference with cups and certificates presented by Lady Bromley-Davenport. After an enlightening speech by Lieutenant Jane Pizzi on Women in the Modern Royal Navy, the National Standard was handed over to the new National Standard Bearer, Mrs Diane Marazza, who led the Standard Bearers out of Conference to begin the Standard Bearers Parade.

Local residents lined Eastbourne Promenade to watch more than 80 Standard Bearers march along Eastbourne Seafront to the Bandstand. Upon arrival, the Band and Drums of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment provided the music and ‘altar’ for a moving Drumhead Service led by Bishop John Kirkham, former Bishop to the Armed Forces. To commemorate the Women’s Section’s 90^th Anniversary, nine white doves were released at the start of the ceremony, marking each decade of the Women’s Section’s 90 years.

Accompanied by the Band and Drums of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment, Standard Bearers marched back along the pier to the Conference Centre, where a 90^th Anniversary Celebration Tea Party was held for all conference attendees. After a toast to the Queen, scores of ladies queued up to get a slice of the 90^th Anniversary cake. Weighing in at 130kg, the cake was made by Specialist Instructional Officers at the Defence Logistics School Food Services and took an incredible 9 days to make and prepare. Within 20 minutes of the first slice, all that remained were a few raisins and a small slice of icing! Needless to say, a great time was had by all!

The Royal British Legion drops News of the World as campaign partner

The RBL has cut ties with News of the World amid claims the paper may have hacked into the mobile phones of bereaved families

The decision was taken following the disclosure that bereaved relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan may have had their phones hacked by a private investigator working for News of the World. The Legion has suspended all relations with the newspaper pending a resolution of the allegations.

"We can't with any conscience campaign alongside News of the World on behalf of Armed Forces families while it stands accused of preying on these same families in the lowest depths of their misery," said a charity spokesman. "The hacking allegations have shocked us to the core."

The charity also said its advertising budget with News International is under review. It takes advertising space in The Sun and on The Sun's Forces Channel online to promote its welfare services offered to Armed Forces personnel past and present as well as their families.

The RBL has campaigned with the News of the World on Military Covenant issues and was set to mount another initiative with the paper to save the Chief Coroner's Office from abolition.

"Clearly, it would make a mockery of that campaign to go hand-in-hand with News of the World," the spokesman added. "We think we'll do better without them."

The Legion provides free legal advice to bereaved military families at inquest as well as offering them a wide range of support. Kevin Hart, one of the Legion's lawyers working closely with bereaved military families, said he was "appalled that their private lives could have been invaded."

He added: "The Royal British Legion does its utmost to provide assistance and comfort to these bereaved families, who deserve the nation's utmost gratitude and respect. To think anyone would exploit their grief is frankly sick-making."

Michele Price, another of the Legion's lawyers working closely with bereaved Armed Forces families, added: "The Legion acts as their voice and their champion. I feel that my families would expect inhuman behaviour on a remote battlefield but not at the hands of Fleet Street."

The Legion supports calls for a full judicial review into the matter with powers to call evidence and examine witnesses under oath.

Motions passed at Annual Conference 2011

.

All 5 motions debated at Annual Conference 2011 were passed.  This is the state of play in respect of each of them as at 30 June 2011:

Annual Conference 2012 - Accommodation Information

The online booking system is now open - reserve your accommodation for Conference 2012 today

Annual Conference 2012

Venue Cymru, Llandudno

Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th April 2012

You can now book your accommodation for Annual Conference 2012 online. To secure your booking and be eligible for discounted rates and special offers, simply click on the link below and search a wide variety of accommodation to match your requirements

https://www.conferencebookings.co.uk/delegate/LCSRBLW2012

Please consider the following dates when booking accommodation:

Tuesday 24th April - Standard Bearer's Competition

Wednesday 25th - Thursday 26th April - Annual Conference

Sophie Williams Update

After a strong performance at the European Championships, Sophie qualifies for the Senior World Championships

Good news!  I’ve just been told I’ve been put on to the World Class Programme for British Fencing!  This means that as well as the fantastic help I receive from the Royal British Legion’s Women’s Section, I will also have access to a range of support staff including physiotherapists and strength and conditioning coaches. It also confirms my prospects as a future candidate for the Olympic Games….!

I recently attended my first senior European Championships which were held in Sheffield. Although I wanted to get a good result, I also treated it as a learning experience for future major Championships and Olympic Games. The first round went well - I won four out my six poule fights beating top fencers such as Vergne (FRA) and Pundyk (UKR). I then had a bye through the Last 64 round and unfortunately drew my team mate Chrystall Nicoll in the Last 32. It was a close fight and we were trading hit for hit until her experience as a fencer just allowed her to pull through and win 15-13. I am hoping to build on this performance and think that it bodes well for future competitions.

I have also been selected for the Senior World Championships which are being held in Catania, Sicily, this October. It is a fantastic honour to be selected to compete for my country at such a high level and I just want to keep developing as a fencer and improving on these positive results.

As I write this, I am ranked third in the senior British women’s sabre rankings. I am back in Cornwall, training hard and we are currently working on building our fitness and strength before getting back into intense fencing training.

National Memorial Arboretum to host the Antiques Roadshow

BBC TV’s Antiques Roadshow will be recording a special edition of the programme in the NMA - Spectators welcome!

BBC One television's Antiques Roadshow will be recording a special edition of the programme at the National Memorial Arboretum on Thursday 1 September.

The show, which is due to air on Remembrance Sunday, will be presented by Fiona Bruce, along with a small team of antiques experts. Visitors are welcome to come and watch the filming, which will take place between 9am and 7pm.

All participants in the filming have been selected in advance following an appeal at the end of a programme last year. As a result, the public will not be able to bring personal objects for valuation.  The show's resident Arms and Militaria specialists, Graham Lay and Bill Harriman, will be joined by Hilary Kay and Paul Atterbury, both of whom have extensive knowledge of objects with an interesting social history.

The screening of Antiques Roadshow is expected to further build the national and international profile of the Arboretum, which is part of The Royal British Legion family of charities. Filming is scheduled to take place around a wide range of different memorials on the site, describing the stories behind them and illustrating the wide diversity of the organisations and individuals represented within its 150 acres of wooded parkland.

Paul Kennedy, Curator of the National Memorial Arboretum, said: "We feel incredibly honoured to be hosting this special Remembrance episode of the Antiques Roadshow. It will further confirm that we are the place 'Where our Nation remembers'.

"We understand the programme will be including family stories ranging from the Boer War right up to the Falklands conflict. Anyone with an interest in military history is most welcome to come along and listen in to the recordings."

This is expected to be a very busy day at the Arboretum, so those wishing to visit and watch the filming are advised to come early and to use the signposted Park and Ride service.

The Arboretum is free to enter but donations are appreciated. For further information visit the Arboretum website at www.thenma.org.uk or call 01283 792333.

Staff Changes

Staff at HQ say farewell to Welfare Officer James Sheridan

At the end of August, Staff at Women's Section HQ said farewell to Welfare Officer James Sheridan. Having taken fatherhood by the horns, James left to take care of his newly-born daughter Zara, but also intends to use the time to study and explore other career paths  - we wish him all the best of luck in his new adventures! While we search to fill James' position, Gita Solanki will be providing temporary cover. You can contact her on 0203 207 2183 or alternatively, email gsolanki@britishlegion.org.uk

90th Anniversary Service at Westminster Abbey

Legion and Women Section members unite at Westminster Alter to commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion

Members from the Women's Section last week attended a special serivce at Westminster Abbey to commemorate the 90th Annviersary of the Royal British Legion.

Attending the service was our very own Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, who was joined by The Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Susie Burbridge, Members of Parliament, and special guests from the Armed Forces and the Legion.

The servce, which took place on Tuesday 20th September, featured a specially commissioned fanfare by a Tri-Service team. Music was provided by the Westminster Abbey Choir and The Central Band of The Royal British Legion which was conducted by Director of Music David Cole.

Classical Soprano singer, Hayley Westenra, sang Laurence Binyon's 'For the Fallen' as Legion beneficiary, Kirianne Curley, bore the Book of Remembrance through the Abbey to the High Altar, which she then presented to the Dean of the Abbey, Dr John Hall.

Kirianne, whose husband Royal Marine Corporal Stephen Curley was killed in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in May 2010, attended the service as a special guest of the Legion. Kirianne is using the Legion's Independent Inquest Advice service to help her through the inquest into her husband's death and she said she was honoured to attend the service in Stephen’s memory.

“My husband Stephen was 26 years old when he was killed and our son, William, was just a few weeks old. I am forever grateful for all the support the Legion has given to me and my family. Carrying the Book of Remembrance is a once in a life time opportunity and a memory that I will treasure and will share with our son in the future.”

The Legion's National President, Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, lead the Exhortation, after which The Princess Royal laid a 90th Anniversary wreath at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior.

Penelope Keith read 'In Flanders Fields', and the prayers were delivered by the Legion's Director General Chris Simpkins and clergy from the three Services.

The official unveiling of the new portrait of HM The Queen by artist Darren Baker, took place after the service at a special reception.

Condolences

We regret to inform you of the death of Mrs Heather de Buriatte, former Central Committee Member

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the death of Mrs Heather de Buriatte, former Central Committee Respresentative for the South Eastern Region. Mrs de Buriatte passed away during the night of the 26th-27th of September after a long illness.

May she rest in peace.

Fields of Remembrance

Visit one of our 5 locations around the nation and pay your respects

Each November The Royal British Legion creates Fields of Remembrance to pay tribute to all those who have bravely served in our Armed Forces and who are sadly no longer with us.

In 2010, an additional Field at Wootton Bassett was added to the traditional sites of London and Cardiff, to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives serving in Afghanistan. In 2011, we will open a fourth Field in Belfast.

The Fields become a sea of Remembrance Crosses with scarlet poppies - a touching symbol of Remembrance and tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.

Online orders for the Fields of Remembrance for 2011 are now closed. We need to allow ourselves enough time to plot all the Remembrance Crosses into their Regimental Associations before the Field opens.

If you would like to visit the Fields of Remembrance to place a cross, times and dates of opening are detailed here.

If you would like to arrange for a Remembrance Cross to be sent to you for next year's Field of Remembrance, please call 0845 845 1945.

A photo gallery of Remembrance is available on the main Legion website.

Silence in the Square 2011

Join the Royal British Legion in Trafalgar Square or via webcast on 11th November

11 November 2011

At the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. The Two Minute Silence is observed on Armistice Day, the day which marks the end of the First World War.

The Royal British Legion hosts "Silence in the Square" events to give the public an opportunity to participate in the Two Minute Silence.

Join us from 9.45am in Trafalgar Square in London on Friday 11 November for a moment of silence, shoulder to shoulder with all who serve. Together we will mark the Two Minute Silence and reflect on the human cost of conflict.

This year our event will again be hosted by TV presenter Ben Shephard with performances by Laura Wright, The Soldiers, the Spitfire Kids Choir accompanied by an Ensemble of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens and Strictly Come Dancing's Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace.

Also featuring the exclusive first video showing of Dame Vera Lynn and Alesha Dixon's new version of "We'll Meet Again".

Members of the public are asked to start gathering at 9.30am and the event concludes (with the symbolic placing of the poppy petals in the fountains) at approximately 11.15am. Schools are invited to arrive anytime between 9.30 and 10.15am.

A bugler will be performing the Last Post and Reveille to mark the start and end of the Two Minute Silence.

If you are unable to attend the live events, you can view a live webcast from the comfort of your own home or office. Just sign up at www.britishlegion.org.uk/sits prior to 11 November (to receive a reminder email) and then view the webcast from approximately 10am on the day.

RBL Victorious in Chief Coronor U-turn

The RBL has welcomed the decision to retain the post of Chief Coroner

The Royal British Legion has welcomed the coalition's decsion of retaining the post of Chief Corone.

"We're delighted common sense has prevailed," said Legion Director General Chris Simpkins. "This is a victory for The Royal British Legion on behalf of all bereaved Armed Forces families and for the many bereaved organisation groups that have campaigned on this issue.

"All the same, we are disappointed that the Government will not implement appeal provisions to the Chief Coroner and will watch the debate on this issue in the House of Lords this afternoon with interest."

His comments came after meetings with officials at Number 10 Downing Street to explain a surprise announcement made by Justice Secretary Ken Clarke late Tuesday that the Chief Coroner would not be abolished as an austerity measure.

"We have been campaigning hard on this for a year," Mr Simpkins added. "The Government's welcome support for our campaign keeps faith with the fallen and with the spirit of the Armed Forces Covenant."

He continued: "The Government's decision to appoint an independent Chief Coroner means that bereaved military families will have the confidence of knowing an impartial judge will provide essential independent leadership to the inquest system, ensuring that its proceedings are thorough, efficient and fair."

While the proposed office will not have provision for military families to appeal coroner's verdicts through the Chief Coroner, Mr Simpkins acknowledged that the Chief Coroner would be able to comment on appeals procedures in his annual report.

"We're not backing down on the right to appeal," he said. "The Government says that bereaved families need closure. We say that they need closure in the certain knowledge that their loss has been investigated to their satisfaction."

Kirianne Curley, a Legion beneficiary, had earlier lent impetus to the campaign by writing an open letter to the Prime Minister.

The widow of Royal Marine Corporal Stephen Curley of 40 Commando, killed by an IED explosion in Afghanistan in May 2010, she wrote: 
"I am writing to you today to ask you to personally intervene to ensure that a promise you made to Armed Forces personnel and their families - such as my son and I - is kept. I urge you to honour Stephen's memory and the memory of all those like Stephen who have given their lives in defence of this country, and decide to appoint a Chief Coroner."

For further information contact:
Susan Cottam, Public Relations Officer, The Royal British Legion
T: 020 3207 2477 M: 07775 017 889 E: SCottam@britishlegion.org.uk

The Poppy Shop

The Poppy Shop have a great range of christmas gift ideas including cards and last minute stocking fillers.

The Poppy Shop have a great range of christmas gift ideas including cards and last minute stocking fillers. All profits from the Poppy Shop go to help the work of The Royal British Legion in its role of caring and campaigning for our Armed Forces and their families.

To ensure pre-Christmas delivery, please place your order by 12 midnight on Friday 16 December.

Women’s Section Winter Circular - available now!

Catch up on the Festival of Remembrance, The Cenotaph Parade, and all our Welfare stories in the latest edition of the Circular

Click here to view and download our lastest Ciruclar

The Military Wives Choir reach number 1 in the charts

Congratulations to the The Military Wives Choir who scooped the coveted Christmas number one spot

Everyone in the Legion sends the Military Wives Choir and Gareth Malone huge congratulations on their tremendous achievement. 

Not only have they reached the Number 1 spot for Christmas, but also achieved the fastest sales of any single for six years.

The choir truly have captured the nation's hearts with their moving and personal song - and we're immensely proud of them all. 

The funds from the sales of their record will help us in our vital work with those in need in the Armed Forces Family which sees us spend £1.4 million a week providing an extensive range of services.

Proceeds from the sale of the single are being split between The Royal British Legion and SSAFA Forces Help. More information about the single including how to buy it are available here. 

Condolences

We regret to inform you of the death of Mike Morris, RBL County Secretary

After a long battle with cancer, Mike Morris passed away on Saturday 7th January.  Everyone who met Mike will remember that he always had a smile and a joke regardless of his health situation.  As an RBL County Secretary, his primary focus was on Legion activities, however, he was an ardent supporter of the Women’s Section and always helped out wherever he could. At Conference last year, he received a certificate of appreciation for all his work for the Women’s Section. Our deepest sympathies go to his wife Ann Morris, his family, friends and colleagues.

Festival of Remembrance & 90th Anniversary DVD

The 2011 Festival of Remembrance & 90th Anniversary DVD are now available to order from the Poppy Shop

DVDs of the 2011 Festival of Remembrance and the 90th anniversary "Service of Thanksgiving" held at Westminster Abbey on 20 September 2011 are now available from the Legion's online Poppy Shop -

Click here for the 2011 Festival of Remembrance DVD - RRP £10.75

Click here for the 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving DVD RRP £6.95

Head Office Updates

Click here to see our latest staff changes

Introducing Paramjit Sangha – Deputy Welfare Advisor

In December last year, The Women’s Section was thrilled to welcome the arrival of Paramjit Sangha, who replaces James Sheridan as the Deputy Welfare Advisor. Paramjit has much experience in the welfare sector having previously worked for a charity which assists people over the age of 65 on low incomes. Some of you may have met her at the County Officer’s Seminar but those of you who didn’t will have the opportunity at our Annual Conference in May.

Alice Kennedy – Secretarial Assistant

At the end of December, staff at HQ bid a fond farewell to Secretarial Assistant, Alice Kennedy. She has recently taken up a position in the Marketing Team at Comic Relief and we wish her all the very best.  In the meantime, we welcome the arrival of Julia Cheah who will be providing temporary cover; she can be contacted or 0203 207 2191 or alternatively, email jcheah@britishlegion.org.uk

Jessica Copper - Welfare Advisor

Jessica is currently on sick leave due to a bad fall in which she injured her right leg. We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return. In the meantime, please address any welfare enquiries to the Deputy Welfare Advisor, Paramjit Sangha.

Sarah Thomas – Maternity update

Our previous editor of the circular, Sarah Thomas, has been on maternity leave since April last year. If all goes to plan, she will be back in April to resume her post.

Spring Cirular 2012

The arrival date for the Sping 2012 Circular is 27th February

The arrival date for the Sping 2012 Circular is 27th February. Features include:

special interview with our Ambassador of Goodwill and Sponsored Candidate for the Olympics, Sophie Williams.

Interwiew with Standard Bearer Karen Pearson

Conference Special

New Merchandise

Branch and County News

The Great Poppy Quiz

Test your knowledge in the RBL's Great Poppy Quiz and win great prizes!

The Quiz has five categories including twentieth century conflicts, Armed Forces and the Great Pub Quiz with fantastic prizes. These include lunch with Amanda Prowse, the author of " Poppy Day" and, in January 2012, lunch with Matt Croucher GC, the author of " 90 years of Heroes"; limited edition jewellery; Marks and Spencer vouchers and much more.

All profits from the Quiz go towards supporting the Legion's involvement in Personnel Recovery Centres which assist wounded, injured and sick Service personnel to recover and either return to duty or move successfully into civilian life.

The Legion has pledged its biggest-ever single donation, £50m, to Defence Recovery Capability which is being used to fund the operating costs of four Personnel Recovery Centres in the UK and one in Germany. It will also be used to create and operate the Battle Back Centre.

For more information visit the Great Poppy Quiz.

Women of the World Festival 2012

Join inspirational women from all walks of life to explore topics such as politics, arts, education and the economy

The Women of the World Festival 2012 (WOW) is a celebration of the formidable strength and inventiveness of women.

Running from Wednesday 7th - Sunday 11th March, this annual festival presents and recognises women from all walks of life, acting as a conversation space for issues of all kinds. The programme includes lively talks and debates about politics, the arts, economics, fashion, science, health, sport and big ideas. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in mentoring and workshops and hear from celebrities, politicians, artists and activists on the topics that matter to women worldwide.

Evening highlights (ticketed separately) include comedy from Sandi Toksvig; music from Equals Live 2012, Sinead O’Connor and Emmy the Great; and film with Birds Eye View Sound and Silents.

For full programme and ticketing information, please go to www.southbankcentre.co.uk/wow or call: 0844 847 9910

The Women of the World Festival 2012 is sponsored by Bloomberg.

Armed Forces Day Somme Dinner

The Royal British Legion Somme Branch is hosting the 8th Annual Somme Dinner on Saturday 30th June. Early booking recommended!

Armed Forces Day "Somme Dinner" - Saturday 30th June

On Saturday 30^th June, The Royal British Legion Somme Branch will be hosting the 8th Annual Somme Dinner at the Mercure Hotel in Arras, France. The commemorative dinner will coincide with Armed Forces Day and the eve of the Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme

Time: 19.30 for 20.00 start

Price: Tickets are € 50 each which includes pre-dinner drinks, a 4 course meal with wine, followed by entertainment and dancing

Dress: Black tie/Mess Kit. Medals may also be worn. In respect of those from the Bikers Branch who have supported our service community and chairty so generously over the years, Riders attending may wear their riding attire.

You can pay online at http://www.rblsomme.org/rblsomme.org/Online_Payment_Page.html 

If you have any problems or need assistance, please phone Jackie on 0033 322 762960 and she'll talk you though it.

Help us update our history!

The Women's Section History Booklet is being updated - your help is required!

The Women’s Section History Booklet, written by Mrs Betty Underhill MBE, is being updated under the editorship of Mrs Pat Swift in order to cover the last fifteen years. If you have any photos or information you would like to put forward for submission, please address them to Pat Scott at Head Office, or email women@britishlegion.org.uk and quote 'Women's Section History' in the subject field.

National Tombola at Conference 2012

Request to Branches and Counties for Tombola prizes.

Following previous years' success, we will be holding a National Tombola in the stalls area at this year’s Conference. For this, we kindly ask Counties and Branches to bring a mystery prize wrapped in blue or gold paper. These should be submitted to Pat Scott, Pat Berry (or whoever is there to receive them), in the stalls area or foyer. Thank you for your support. HO

Women’s Section Spring Circular - available now!

Click here to view our pre-conference Spring Circular, featuring a special interview with our Olympic hopeful Sophie Williams

In our pre-Conference Spring Edition, we interview Sophie Williams, our Ambassador of Goodwill and Sponsored Candidate for the 2012 Olympics, following her win at the Advalus Pro Sabre Competition in January.

Other features include: Address from the National Chairman; Notices; Conference 2012 Special; new conference merchandise; Special interview with Karen Pearson, Standard Bearer for Milford-on-Sea Branch; Branch and County News.

Annual Conference 2012

The Women's Section 91st Annual Conference will be taking place from 24-26th April at Venue Cyrmru, Llandudno

The Royal British Legion’s Women’s Section 91st Annual Conference will be taking place next week at Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

From Wednesday 25th to Thursday 26th April, over 1000 delegates and members from around the country will be attending the two day Conference to elect the charity’s Central Officers for the forthcoming year and discuss and debate matters of general policy.

RBL Director General, Mr Chris Simpkins, and Head of Membership, Mr Bob Gamble, will both be addressing Conference alongside a host of other guests which will include The Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Greg JT Robbins, Colonel Piers-Storie Pugh from the Not Forgotton Association, Actor John Challis, and members from TRBL Riders Branch.

All Women’s Section staff will be out of office from Monday to Thursday, with reduced staff on Friday.

Annual Conference 2012

The Women's Section 90th Annual Conference took place last week at Venue Cyrmru, Llandudno

The Royal British Legion’s Women’s Section 90^th Annual Conference took place last week at Venue Cmyru in Llandudno, North Wales

From Wednesday 25th to Thursday 26th April, over 1000 delegates and members from around the country attended the two day Conference to elect the charity’s Central Officers for the forthcoming year and debate matters of general policy.

RBL Director General Mr Chris Simpkins, and Head of Membership Mr Bob Gamble, addressed delegates on the Legion’s ‘Pathway to Growth’ programme, a change initiative which maps out the future of the RBL, and Armed Forces Engagement. Other special guests included The Mayor of Llandudno, Councillor Greg JT Robbins, Colonel Piers-Storie Pugh from the Not Forgotton Association, Actor John Challis, and members from The Royal British Legion Riders Branch.

New apointments:

National Officers:

Mrs Marilyn Humphreys was elected National Vice-Chairman by paper ballot

Central Committee:

Mrs H Crosby was elected Representative for the Northern Region.

Mrs M Cook replaces Miss R Lucas as Representative for the South Eastern Region

National Standard Bearers:

Miss Laura Ashton was awarded 1^st place and is now the Women’s Section National Standard Bearer

Mrs Heather Spence was awarded 2^nd place and becomes the Deputy National Standard Bearer

Grand Prize Draw Results 2012

The results for the Grand Prize were announced on the last day of Conference - click here to see the list of lucky winners!

Royal British Legion Women’s Section Grand Prize Draw 2012

Congratulations to all the lucky winners!