Signal
Autumn 2020
IN THIS ISSUE:
pg 4-5: Captain Sir Tom Moore
pg 14: The Veterans Food Co
pg 16: RBL Poppy Appeal
This issue has been kindly sponsored by
TASC TAMESIDE ARMED SERVICES COMMUNITY
Autumn 2020 1 WELCOME TO THIS, THE TENTH EDITION OF SIGNAL
Autumn 2020
Since our Spring 2020 edition we have been concentrating In early 2021 we will be updating our Armed Forces Action our efforts on supporting partners towards Covenant or Plan which we do on an annual basis in conjunction with Silver ERS status in the Borough, with every Tameside and TASC, we would love to hear from anyone who would Glossop GP Practice now signed to the covenant that’s like to contribute to the Action Plan either with an activity a major achievement and led to The Hospital in addition or a suggestion for further projects and focus areas for to the Clinical Commissioning Group achieving Silver in us in Tameside. We ae committed to continuing to go September. our provision and hope that by mid November that our allotment will be fully operational in Denton. Our employability and skills project continues and the team at Groundwork have a focussed and well advertised We are always very grateful for the generosity of our offer on the table for our Armed Forces family. sponsors and are always on the lookout for sponsors and support for future editions which costs in the region The Moving Forces team are moving from strength to of £300, if you know of someone or an organisation who strength and the additional funding secured by the team can help us in this way we would love to hear from you. and the project has led to a wide range of activities which We have lots of exciting projects in the pipeline, so please in many cases have continued to be delivered during the read your copy of Signal thoroughly and contact us if there Covid period, working directly towards the original project is something you would like to know more about or get outcomes of inclusion and the reduction of social isolation. involved with. A huge thanks to our sponsors for this edition The Veterans Food Company who continue to be a superb On a final note many thanks to the contributors of this partner ensuring that our formally homeless people, those edition of Signal, if you have an article for the Spring who are vulnerable and the Armed Forces Community edition please send it over to us at covenant@tameside. in Tameside fed nutritionally during the Covid pandemic. gov.uk no later than January 31st 2021. May we wish you During the lockdown period they provided a staggering and yours a relaxed Festive period and happy New Year 5,500 meals. for 2021.
2 Autumn 2020 SPONSOR
A MESSAGE FROM I’m Noel Patrick Goulding the We cooked tens of thousands of OUR SPONSOR – THE executive Chef of the Veterans meals which were hand delivered to VETERANS FOOD CO Food Co, we are a Community veterans and families and to food Interest Company [ CIC ] created by pantries to support families. veterans and their families and we As the sponsor for this addition of We were very proud to work work across Greater Manchester Signal Magazine, I would like to alongside TASC [Tameside Armed primarily to deliver cookery and introduce myself to those who have Service Community] and Tameside baking sessions for veterans, we also not already met me. Council in this Borough. deliver well-being sessions, entry into employment courses for those As a Falklands veteran I am proud who wish to work in hospitality. The to lead our organisation, we work Veterans Food Co also run a large with many veterans associations and community cooking programme and charities working in partnership is the have trained the UK’s first Veterans only way is forward we feel. Chef Brigade who cook functions and Please have a look at web site volunteer to cook dinner in temporary https://theveteransfoodco.com accommodation centres across our Facebook page https://www. Greater Manchester. facebook.com/The-Veterans-Food
As you will read in the magazine I look forward to meeting during the 1st Covid-19 lockdown we opened and cooked in 5 production my fellow veterans across kitchens across Tameside, Stockport, Tameside when we can. Trafford, Rochdale and Salford.
Autumn 2020 3 CAPTAIN SIR TOM MOORE
Prior to Covid-19 very few people outside of his small When the coronavirus pandemic struck, Tom wanted to community ever heard the name Thomas Moore, and little give something back to the healthcare staff putting their did he know what was about to happen to him just before lives on the line for all of us. He said of our NHS heroes: his 100th birthday, since he made the decision to raise “You are all entering into something where you some money for the NHS, are putting yourself in danger and you’re doing Tom has always been active, even driving every day until that for the good of the people here. You are doing he slipped and fractured his hip two years ago. The care a marvellous, marvellous job.” and after-treatment he received then, and earlier through a The initial plan was to do 100 laps of his garden, at 50 cancer scare, left him eternally grateful to so many people meters a time, before his hundredth birthday. He hoped to in the NHS. raise £1,000 for NHS charities.
4 Autumn 2020 £38.9 million* later, Tom has inspired He vowed to keep on walking until his His rendition of You’ll Never Walk a whole nation, and drawn praise and 100th birthday and then move onto Alone is the fastest-selling single admiration from all around the world. his next challenge. of 2020, with 82,000 copies and People were rooting for him from the proceeds going to the NHS Charities As he says himself: “We have to four corners of the globe. Together fund. keep on going.” *£38.9 million total Just as importantly, thanks poured includes gift aid. The Queen confers the Honour of in from NHS workers all over the Knighthood on Captain Sir Thomas Captain Tom Moore then recorded a country. Tom was especially touched Moore. duet with Michael Ball to become the by that. He has become a national oldest artist to reach the top spot of treasure and a national hero, but sees BBC Radio 1’s The Official Chart. himself as anything but.
In April, World War Two veteran, £32 million for the NHS, and inspired The Queen awarded Captain Sir Tom Captain Sir Tom Moore embarked so many people along the way. Moore with his insignia of Knight on 100 laps of his garden with the Bachelor, after knighting him with the Today Captain Sir Tom Moore’s aim to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities sword that belonged to her father, incredible fundraising achievements Together and has now raised over King George VI. were recognised with a Knighthood.
Autumn 2020 5 VE DAY
1945 8th May
This year we remember then and in their causes and extent, they have She said their lasting legacy reflect on now. We remember the echoes for many today; shortages service and sacrifice made by so of goods, feeling socially isolated, “is that countries many peoples, communities and familial dislocation, a sense of the who were once nations 75 years ago, and we reflect unknown, a feeling of being forgotten, on the service and sacrifice of so and the collaboration of nations and sworn enemies many today. communities to face a common foe. And as the entire nation relied on our are now friends, The world so many knew had been service personnel and public servants turned upside down by the Second working side then, so we do again today. World War, and the end of the war did not mean the end of the service The nation came together, even by side for the or sacrifice for so many, 3.8 million when forced apart by lockdown, to peace, health and British men and 400,000 women were remember the end of war in Europe demobilised, returning to their homes and mark 75 years since VE Day. prosperity of us and families, some for the first time in The Queen said the message of many years. VE Day is “never give up, never all”. despair”, remembering the sacrifices Many of the feelings, emotions, and Despite swathes of events and of the Second World War generation challenges faced by the Second swarming parades being cancelled in a poignant speech. World War generation, while different because of the coronavirus lockdown, the UK found ways to come together to pay tribute to those who served in the era-defining global conflict. The day began with a national two minute silence at 11am, which gave Britons the opportunity to pause and reflect, remembering the lives lost and sacrifices made in wartime. Then the RAF’s Red Arrows also roared over parts of the UK, in a special flypast to mark the anniversary. Following the Queen’s speech, people were invited to open their doors and windows and take part in singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s “We’ll Meet Again”, which has once again become a symbol of hope for Britons during the coronavirus pandemic.
6 Autumn 2020 VJ DAY
1945 15th August
Whilst VE Day marked the end of When we were only one and half direct hits (it was 2pm on the 14th the war in Europe in May 1945, days out at sea and already food February 1942). The vessel began many thousands of Armed Forces was in demand; lunch consisted of to pitch and soon the frightened personnel were still involved in bitter corn beef and crackers. The S.S passengers heard the sound of fighting in the Far East. Vyner Brook steamed on although pouring water. The Vyner Brook was time was running out for us. The sinking, and the captain gave the Victory over Japan would come at a ship was never designed to carry as order to abandon ship. The ship was heavy price, and Victory over Japan many passengers as it did for its last to sink in approximately 15 minutes. Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan journey. The ship finally set sail just surrendered on the 15 August 1945, Some of the nurses helped to move as darkness was setting in. The ship which in effect ended the Second the wounded topside, while others originally built to carry 12 passengers, World War. lent a hand getting everyone up on was terribly overcrowded with over deck. The civilians were ordered to A survivor of being a Japanese POW 265 frightened men, women and go over the side first, but no sooner recalls her story of capture from when children, plus the 65 AANS nurses. were we in the water, the enemy the ship she was on with her mother It was to be a scene never to be pilots returned and began shooting at was attacked by the Japanese forgotten; huge fires were burning us in the water. Some of the lifeboats aircraft: June Bourhill along the whole front of Singapore were able to reach Bangka Island by and a heavy pall of black smoke late afternoon. June Bourhill hung over the island. In the gathering Twenty – six bombs were dropped darkness, the captain unwittingly at the Vyner Brook, as the captain steered the vessel into a minefield turned the ship from side to side and was forces to stop for the night. to try and avoid the bombs. But The next day (Friday 13th February the twenty-seventh was the direct 1942) was spent hiding behind hit. Out of all the lifeboats that was islands and avoiding detection. The onboard, only three that reached the day was hazy and hot, the sea was water where of any use. We were calm, and the captain knew that told to get off the ship as quickly he would be foolish to attempt to as possible, down rope ladders or breakout in these conditions. That ropes, or whatever we could get hold night, the Vyner Brook attempted to off. There were only three lifeboats slip out to freedom, and eventually for 250 people, and not enough it reached the Bangka Strait. After lifejackets. A lot of people just dodging bombs from Japanese jumped into the water, and those who planes and machine gun fire, which could swim, swam. But anyone that had left the starboard lifeboat holed, couldn’t swim was drowned like my the ship eventually received three mother was.
Autumn 2020 7 DAME VERA LYNN
Vera Margaret Welch was born in Essex, on 20 March 1917. She began performing publicly at the age of seven and adopted her grandmother maiden name “Lynn” as her stage name when she was eleven. In 1936, her first solo record was released, “Up the Wooden Hill to Bedfordshire”. She supported herself by working as an administrative assistant to the head of a shipping management company in London’s East End.
In 1937, Lynn made her first hit recordings, “The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot” and “Red Sails in the Sunset”
great wartime hit was “The White airfield in Bengal to entertain the WARTIME Cliffs of Dover”. troops before the Battle of Kohima. Her host and lifelong friend Captain During the war years, she joined CAREER Bernard Holden recalled “her courage the Entertainments National Service and her contribution to morale” In Association (ENSA) and toured Egypt, Lynn’s wartime contribution began 1985, she received the Burma Star for India and Burma, giving outdoor when she would sing to people who entertaining British guerrilla units in concerts for British troops. In March were using London’s tube station Japanese-occupied Burma. platforms as air raid shelters. Lynn 1944, she went to Shamshernagar is best known for the popular song “We’ll Meet Again”, written by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles. She first recorded it in 1939 with Arthur Young on Novachord, and later again in 1953 accompanied by servicemen from the British Armed Forces. The nostalgic lyrics (“We’ll meet again, don’t know where, don’t know when, but I know we’ll meet again some sunny day”) were very popular during the war and made the song one of its emblematic hits, During the Phoney War, the Daily Express asked British servicemen to name their favourite musical performers: Vera Lynn came out on top and as a result became known as “the Forces’ Sweetheart”. Her continuing popularity was ensured by the success of her radio programme “Sincerely Yours”, which began airing in 1941, with messages to British troops serving abroad. However, in the aftermath of the fall of Singapore in February 1942 the programme was taken off air for 18 months out of fear that the sentimental nature of her songs would undermine the “virile” nature of British soldiers. Lynn and her quartet continued to perform songs most requested by the soldiers. Lynn also visited hospitals to interview new mothers and send personal messages to their husbands overseas. Her other
8 Autumn 2020 LATER YEARS
Lynn sang outside Buckingham Palace in 1995 in a ceremony that marked the 50th anniversary of VE Day. The United Kingdom’s VE Day ceremonies in 2005 included a concert in Trafalgar Square, London, in which Lynn made a surprise appearance. She made a speech praising the veterans and calling upon the younger generation always to remember their sacrifice, and joined in with a few bars of “We’ll Meet Again”. Following that year’s Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance Lynn encouraged the Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins to assume the In January 2020, a new painted by Queen Elizabeth II in a television mantle of “Forces’ Sweetheart”. In portrait of Lynn was unveiled at address she delivered addressing her speech Lynn said: “These boys the Royal Albert Hall in connection the COVID-19 pandemic. For the gave their lives and some came home with the 75th anniversary of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Lynn badly injured, and for some families peace in 1945. The painting will be and Katherine Jenkins we involved life would never be the same. We on permanent display at the venue in a virtual duet (Jenkins singing next should always remember, we should where Lynn performed 52 times from to a hologram) at the Royal Albert never forget, and we should teach the 1937 to 2006. On 5 April 2020 the Hall, which was empty due to the children to remember” song “We’ll Meet Again” was echoed COVID-19 pandemic. A TRIBUTE FROM THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION Those who were privileged to know her recall the warmth of her eyes was Dame Vera was and continued to be equalled only by the beauty of her a shining beacon of the stoicism that voice. became so entrenched in the British war time spirit, giving people strength A true ‘forces sweetheart’, Dame in adversity, and offering the simple Vera Lynn was a symbol of hope to encouragement to ‘keep smiling the Armed Forces community, past through’. She is a true British icon and and present, who brought joy to the inspiration, and will be missed hearts of millions of people during She lent her support to the Legion on dearly by the entire Armed Forces some of their darkest times. many occasions, memorably helping community. to launch the Poppy Appeal in 1999 The Royal British Legion, our alongside the Spice Girls and again members, and all within our Werever you are in in 2009 with singer Hayley Westenra, community will forever be indebted and joining us to pay special tribute Greater Manchester to Dame Vera, not only for her tireless to our Second World War veterans, there is a unit near you! work on behalf of our charity, and ‘her boys’ as she called them, for many others, but for her passion, whom she means so much. She dedication and bravery in support regularly attended the Festival of of our Armed Forces. Dame Vera Remembrance, an event she enjoyed and our Armed Forces personnel, immensely, and took the time to meet especially the Second World War with Serving members of the Armed generation, had a special relationship Forces, family members and veterans that was unique to them, she lifted alike. their spirits, she gave them hope, and importantly she reminded them Dame Vera holds a special place of home and the love that would be in the hearts of all of us here at the waiting for those fortunate enough to Legion. It is a privilege to have known return. and worked with her.
Autumn 2020 9 WHAT IS THE VETERAN’S PASSPORT?
For any armed forces veteran, Information for hospital and GP appointments and Professionals visits can be unsettling. This Veteran’s Passport to Health and Social care Please review the passport has been designed to help our information prior to undertaking your veterans navigate through these visits assessment with our veteran. This will as smoothly as possible. provide important information which will help the assessment and save Information for Veterans our veteran from repeating potentially difficult information. This passport is yours to keep and use as you wish for any appointments The veteran’s passport will be that you feel it may be useful to available to any veteran at Tameside relay your information. You can just Hospital, and it is envisaged to also complete the questions that are have them in GP surgeries. important to you, using as much or as little detail as you would like. then hand over your passport when you arrive at an appointment and encourage the person to read it, this will give them a brief overview of your information.
TAMESIDE ARMED SERVICES COMMUNITY
TASC is for Serving personnel, “Signal” is the TASC family who is not a member, please let us families of those service personnel, newsletter. You can read it, place know and we will ensure they are Ex services, men and women, items in it, voice an opinion and ask registered, which in turn will provide Reservists, Cadets, Community a question of us. It will also be used them with all the information and groups, Businesses,“Third sector” to communicate events trips and support they need. organisations who support the services on offer to our community. To register simply call 0161-342-4080 community and Individuals who Help us to help those that need us or email [email protected] have an interest in the Services most, and if you know of a veteran (e.g.heritage). There are thousands of ex-service personnel in Tameside and our goal is to be both their voice and their light. A voice on matters that affect them and a light, shining on pathways and support. There are many unregistered members in the community: retired, at work, with families and sometimes alone and we need your support to connect with them while also supporting them.
10 Autumn 2020 Autumn 2020 11 CCG WINS SILVER FOR ARMED FORCES COMMITMENT
NHS Tameside and Glossop Clinical Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council’s Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence Commissioning Group (CCG) has armed forces champion, said: (People and Veterans), commented: been awarded silver status under “When we signed the Armed “I am delighted so many the Ministry of Defence Employer Forces Covenant in 2012, companies are supporting Recognition Scheme (ERS) for we made a declaration of our people, and that through supporting the armed forces support to all those people this scheme we can give community. By reaching this level, who are serving, or have them the public recognition the CCG joins its colleagues at served, our country by being they deserve. Tameside Council who were awarded members of the armed silver in 2018, followed by gold last “The positive attitude and forces. As an authority, November. flexible policies these we are determined they organisations have adapted should never suffer any ERS, which was launched in 2014, towards the defence disadvantage in comparison rewards employers who promote community is testament to the objectives of the Armed Forces with civilians. The clinical the fantastic contribution our Covenant which has been signed not commissioning group’s serving personnel, veterans only by the council but also by all success in winning ERS and their families can make of the 37 GP practices in Tameside silver status is more proof to any organisation.” and Glossop. By doing so the that we are making good on surgeries have made a statement of that commitment.” their intention to ensure ex-military It is very pleasing to note that all patients are made aware of the 100% of GP practices in Tameside specialist health services available to Dr Asad Ali, co-chair of NHS and Glossop have now signed the them. Tameside and Glossop Clinical Armed Forces Covenant, and we look Commissioning Group, added: forward to working together for the One of the CCG’s most notable “I’m very proud of the benefit of all the Armed Forces Family achievements, achieved in ERS silver award we have and making sure that the correct read partnership with the council’s received from the Ministry code is registered against their name. covenant team, is the coding of Defence and also of what The next stage will be to get these (inclusion) of service in medical we have done to qualify practices to put in for the Bronze records. This means a forces for it. Without doubt, it’s Award, which the Armed Forces Team background and the issues it very important that forces can assist them with. may generate, especially if a personnel are able to get the person has been in combat, is immediately apparent. The CCG medical care and treatment has also demonstrated flexibility they need. We are committed towards training and mobilisation to providing them with a high commitments for reservists and cadet quality health service.” force adult volunteers.
12 Autumn 2020 CURZON ASHTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
A FEW WORDS FROM At the moment we have a few running - 10:00 - 11:00 every Thursday programs: morning at Curzon Ashton Football ISAAC KEAST – Club (free of charge) MILIRATY VETERANS • Curzon Ashton Military Veterans Football Team Training (partnered These are only a few of the programs DEVELOPMENT OFFICER with the Royal British Legion Ashton we are aiming at getting started - Under - Lyne Branch) - 18:00 - before the year comes to a close. My plan is to make Curzon Ashton 19:00 every Friday at Curzon Ashton THE community hub for military Football Club (free of charge) If you would like some more veterans, still serving members of the information or you would like to Armed Forces, and family members in • NAAFI Breaks - 09:00 - 11:00 every register your interest, please email me Tameside and Manchester. Tuesday and Wednesday at Curzon any time at Over the past two years myself and Ashton Football Club (free of charge) [email protected] the community foundation created • Over 50’s Walking Football Session the “Military Veterans Football Team” which is the first team of its kind in Tameside and in Manchester. We currently have 42 members on our team and we are growing even bigger each month. Weekly training sessions, regular matches, monthly tournaments and lots of social events. I am determined to engage with as many veterans as possible. I am motivated by the close relationships I have forged with the players on our football team and having my late Stepdad serve as a Sergeant Major for the Royal Signals for over 30 years. It drives to do well each day.
Autumn 2020 13 THE VETERAN’S FOOD CO – OPERATION VETERANS RESPONSE
Noel Goulding, who is a Veteran Ashton Football Club’s kitchen, all passed his phone to Dave himself, having served in the hand delivered, free to vulnerable Gale who works with Falklands setup the Company with people during the peak of Covid him so that he could three main missions: 19. During that time over 2000 meal speak to him, with Noel hampers were provided to veterans • To deliver cookery sessions for in the Borough who were struggling, finishing the conversation veterans whether they be master and these hampers were delivered to promising to meet him classes ie. wood fired artisan pizza them twice a week, ensuring that they and his family when he making or cooking in a traditional had enough food for the full week. could”. training kitchen . They also offer It is always nice to receive feedback, one to one sessions with veterans Dave was totally amazed at the and Noel received a call from one in their own kitchen. conversation and Noel was very veteran to express his gratitude. humbled by what he had been told, • They offer employability advice and “Hi Noel you don’t know to all of you that we as a team over support to veterans who want to me I got your number from 3 months have cooked for, let me tell you, it’s been an honour, a privilege, work in the huge and diverse world David Brown, I wanted to of hospitality. They work with many and a pleasure to have served you. partners to deliver this part of our thank you for helping me We don’t know you but to all of you mission. and my family” Noel said across Greater Manchester it’s not that he been work to us, we served once, we • Finally they are working on a serve again. number of projects ranging from a Veterans Community Cooking Programme to developing a range of veterans products to be sold at Artisan Markets and other venues.
The veteran’s food company was the beating heart of Tameside from March through until July. They produced over 5,500 meals using Curzon
14 Autumn 2020 VETERANS WORD SEARCH
Autumn 2020 15 WILL THERE BE A POPPY APPEAL?
The RBL is always at this time of year “The Legion faces a difficult workers against Covid-19. time. We must all help them promoting the sale of the poppies to “However people choose to so they can help their friends help with their ongoing work. support us, every poppy will in this time of need.” Given 2020 has been a year many make a difference to the would like to forget, the needs of the Moore is supporting the British Legion lives of our Armed Forces vulnerable will always be there as a through his own foundation and will – community who, across the reminder for us all, that despite the like previous years – send a cross to generations, have continued dreadful virus, the voluntary sector one of its Fields of Remembrance, to step up to defend our way will be needed even more. “I put the same message on of life.” The Poppy Appeal will go ahead as it every year, It Could Have best it can but the RBL are asking Been Me” he said. everyone to help by buying a poppy. Claire Rowcliffe, Legion’s head of To dispel rumours the RBL have fundraising commented: issued the messages below to “The pandemic has had reiterate the truth around this year’s a devastating impact on Poppy Appeal. people’s livelihoods across A new campaign by The Sun aims to every sector of society, boost the British Legion appeal. including the Armed Forces David Beckham, Anthony Joshua, community, some of whom Captain Sir Tom Moore and many are now in dire need of more are all getting behind the news urgent help. brand’s Poppy Appeal campaign. “Across generations, we have This year, due to Covid-19 12,000 relied on the courage of our (out of 40,000) sellers are unable Armed Forces during times to take part, which will have a of crisis and this year they devastating impact on donations. The nation’s favourite fundraiser have once again stepped up, Captain Tom Moore commented: standing alongside essential
16 Autumn 2020 How can you support this year’s Poppy Appeal?
• Fundraise: Free fundraising packs • Poppy runs: RUN, walk or jog any • Online donation: Visit the British are available on the website. distance, anywhere and at any time. Legion’s site and make a one-off Get family and friends involved to donation. • Poppies in the post: Make up for raise cash. And buy a T-shirt to run the reduced number of volunteer in and a medal to give to yourself As always, poppies will also be on collectors by requesting 20 poppies afterwards! sale in your local supermarket. free of charge from the RBL — and then giving them to friends • Visit a poppy shop: There is an For more information, visit and family yourself in return for a extensive range of products from rbl.org.uk/poppyappeal donation. poppy pins and jewellery to clothing, stationery and homeware.
Autumn 2020 17 HELP US CELEBRATE LEGION 100
Legion 100 will bring together our The Legion 100 programme • The National Association of nations, individuals, and communities will celebrate the tremendous Discharged Sailors and Soldiers to celebrate both the tremendous achievements of the Legion over achievements of the Legion over the the last 100 years and demonstrate • The British National Federation last 100 years and to demonstrate how and why we will continue to of Discharged and Demobilized why we are just as important in 2021 play a key part in helping our Armed Sailors and Soldiers and beyond. Forces community and their families throughout 2021 and beyond. • The Comrades of The Great War The British Legion was formed on
15 May 1921, bringing together The Royal British Legion has been • The Officers’ Association four national organisations of ex- supporting Service men and women, Servicemen that had established ex-serving personnel and their The amalgamation of these diverse themselves after the First World War. families since 1921. And we’re not bodies can be attributed largely to going anywhere. We’ve been there for first 100 and two men: Field Marshal Earl Haig we’ll be here for the next 100. The British Legion was formed on and Tom Lister of The Federation of 15 May 1921, bringing together Discharged and Demobilized Sailors Legion 100 will be different. Those four national organisations of ex- and Soldiers. Lord Haig served as the events recognise the national Servicemen that had established President of The Royal British Legion achievements and the role of themselves after the First World War: until his death. As a result of the war, our Armed Forces. The Legion’s Britain’s economy plummeted and in centenary is about our role as a 1921 there were two million people charitable organisation. unemployed. We’ve been there for first 100
18 Autumn 2020 Over six million men had served in those who had fallen in the war. She the war. Of those who came back, campaigned to get it adopted as 1.75 million had suffered some kind an official symbol of Remembrance of disability and half of these were across the United States and worked permanently disabled. Then there with others who were trying to do the were those who depended on those same in Canada, Australia, and the who had gone to war – the wives and UK. Also involved with those efforts children, widows, and orphans, as was a French woman, Anna Guérin well as the parents who had lost sons who was in the UK in 1921 where in the war, on whom they were often she planned to sell the poppies in financially dependent. London. The Legion was established to care There she met Earl Haig, founder of for those who had suffered as a result the Royal British Legion, who was Sold out! of service during the First World War. persuaded to adopt the poppy as And we’ve been helping the Armed an emblem for the Legion in the UK. The poppies sold out almost Forces community and their families The Legion, which had been formed immediately. That first ‘Poppy Appeal’ ever since. in 1921, ordered nine million poppies raised over £106,000 to help veterans and sold them on 11 November that The spread of the poppy as a symbol with housing and jobs; a considerable year. The poem then inspired an American sum at the time. Today’s Poppy academic named Moina Michael Appeal? 40,000 volunteers distribute to adopt the poppy in memory of 40 million poppies.
The Legion’s centenary year is a real opportunity for us to showcase all that we do so well.
From its very beginnings in 1921 stories of all veterans who served in our members, and the branches to numerous conflicts around the world. which they belong, have been at the The stories and artefacts are richly heart of the Legion and we’re turning needed to tell your story. to you to kick start the centenary If you have anything that could help commemorations by Telling Our Story. the RBL commemorate their 100th No one is better placed to tell the please get in touch via email at story of the Legion’s first 100 years [email protected] and will than its Membership community. pass the details to them for you. We need you to delve into the history of your branches and share Legion related records, artefacts, membership experiences, personal stories and more. Be it assisting Legion beneficiaries, commemorating key events and anniversaries, bringing the community together, or simple stories of the day to day events in your area – no story, item or recollection is too small. This is your story. It’s about you, your branches, your community, your local stories and connections. The recording of these stories is vitally important for our history, just in the same way it is important to record the We’ve been there for first 100 we’ll be here for the next 100.
Autumn 2020 19 Tameside Armed Forces Covenant “The Armed Forces Covenant sets out the relationship between the nation, the government and the armed forces. It recognises that the whole nation has a moral obligation to members of the armed forces and their families, and it establishes how they should expect to be treated”.
Tameside Armed Services Community TASC (TASC), is the Council’s partner TAMESIDE ARMED SERVICES organisation in delivering of the COMMUNITY Covenant.
Key Facts and Figures 02/10/2020
*figures are cumulative from 2012 to date
Ministry of Defence
TASC565 members 7500 Ex-service personnel in Tameside 86 Organisations signed the Covenant 3349 Veterans In Schools Arts Award recipients 100% GP practices signed the Covenant
Ex-service1542 personnel 20 registered with primaryAutumn care 2020