The Royal British Legion COUNTY & Newsletter May 2018

In this Edition Curry Rivel Centenary *** Sponsored Walk & Presentation *** Weston AFD 2018 *** Crewkerne Remembers RAF 100 *** Coopers Arms Support for Bishopsworth *** A Somerset Wood *** 2018 Festival of Remembrance Information *** Standard Bearer Training Dates 2018 There are 6 Newsletter issues every year: January : March : May : July : September : November The deadline for articles for the July issue is 21st June- see back page for details May 2018 May 2018 Curry Rivel Branch Celebrates Its Centenary been one of the original committee members. On the evening of Thursday 8 March 2018, the Curry Rivel, Drayton and Fivehead We pride ourselves on being one of the oldest Branches in Somerset and possibly Branch of The Royal British Legion celebrated its centenary with a drinks party in the UK, but is there an older Branch in Somerset! We would love to know! the Old School Room, Curry Rivel. Tony Potter, Branch Chairman One hundred years ago on Friday, 8 March 1918, a meeting had been held in the same Old School Room, attended by ten former sailors and soldiers, all of whom Crewkerne Branch Sponsored Walk and Presentation had been discharged from the Royal Navy and the Army early because of their Saturday 24th March 10am ten walkers from the Crewkerne Branch RBL achieved wounds. The meeting agreed to establish a ‘Post of the Comrades of The Great the 6 mile walk from the Severalls Memorial to Seaborough, Misterton back to War’, which three years later was absorbed into the newly formed British Legion, their headquarters at the George Reynolds Centre, where they were greeted by later The Royal British Legion, making this Branch one of the oldest - if not the other RBL members and friends, who attended the Coffee Morning. oldest - in the Legion. There were some sore feet at The centenary drinks party was the end but the walkers were attended by the RBL Chairman for surprised to hear that they had Somerset, Mjr Robert McDonald. He raised £1,221.50 a great presented the Branch Chairman, Col achievement for just ten Tony Potter, with a Certificate of walkers! The greeting at the Appreciation “in recognition of the GRC was very warming due to 100th anniversary of the founding of the Branch Bakers, who not the Branch”. He also read a message only baked fabulous cakes but from the County President of The kept the Coffee Morning Royal British Legion, Bob Mansergh, flowing with coffee and tea for in which he congratulated all the visitors. Sue and Sarah members of the Branch, thanking Wills cooked bacon and them for their excellent work and continued success in their second century. sausage butties, which was Other guests included descendants of most appreciated by all the original founding committee. Mrs attended. Sue and Sarah Wills supported the Legion as usual and we can’t thank Jane Kwiakowski’s Grandfather, Mjr them enough as always. Maurice Cely Trevilian, had founded The Crewkerne Branch would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have that first committee in 1918, having supported us with these events. The Coffee Morning raised just over £110 and this been badly gassed during the War. would not have been so successful without the support of the community of The first secretary was Harry Lang, Crewkerne and its members, of which we are truly grateful. whose grandson, Henry, was present at the centenary drinks. And a Following the Coffee Morning, a very special presentation took place in the sprightly 101-year-old Mrs Gwyneth presence of Bob McDonald, the County RBL Chairman. He presented certificates Langford was also present. Her of appreciation to June Webb and Danny Pettitt, who have been Poppy Collectors father-in-law, William Langford, had Continued ➔ 2 3 May 2018 May 2018 in Crewkerne for the last 23 years. June and Danny were also presented with gifts Parade led by the World Famous Royal Marines Band heading along the Seafront from the Crewkerne Branch as a thank you for their commitment to the Poppy to an Opening Ceremony in the arena. This is followed by two days of Appeal. demonstrations, displays, competitions and musical items, celebrating all Following that, The County sections of our Armed Forces Community. Chairman then presented the We also have many stalls, stands and displays, you can visit in our “Armed Forces Branch President, Dave Village” showcasing the Regular and Reserve Forces, Associations and Veteran Lawrence, with a certificate for Organisations, the Cadet Forces and much more. his service to the British Legion. On Sunday afternoon, our Weekend closes with a Service of Reflection, Muster Dave has been a long standing of Participants and “Sunset Ceremony” whilst during the whole weekend, member of the Branch having exhilarating Arial Displays take place in the skies overhead. joined in 1958, after leaving the army on completion of his Why not come and join us and have fun celebrating our “Armed Forces National Service. Dave Community” Crewkerne News and Topics reached the dizzy heights of The first UK Armed Forces Day took place on 27 June 2009; it replaced Veterans’ Branch President in 2012 and Day that was first observed in 2006. has been a Committee member for many years prior to this. However, Dave Armed Forces Day is a celebration of our Service men and women, and the believes that it is time to hand over the reins to a new President now that the Branch immeasurable contribution they make to our lives and to the reputation of our have younger members. Country. Through centuries of Service to the Nation, the members of our Armed Branch Chairman, Tony Samuel, said, ‘we will be very sad to see Dave stand down Forces have established a record unequalled in the world. They work selflessly as President as he has been a stalwart to the Branch. We have learnt a lot from his with honour and distinction, in the most challenging circumstances imaginable. experiences, but we understand that we must move on and we wish Dave well in This day also recognizes the wider family: the Veterans, young and old; many his retirement of the RBL. However he has said that he will still be attending the volunteers who support the Cadet Force so tirelessly; and – of paramount occasional meeting and some of our events, especially Remembrance and he will importance and sometimes forgotten – the Families and friends whose care and always be very welcome. support enables such excellence. Alice Samuel, Secretary, Crewkerne Branch Garry Hawkes Weston Armed Forces Weekend Organising Team Weston Armed Forces Weekend 23rd & 24th June 2018 Supporting UK Armed Forces Day Weston Armed Forces Weekend in conjunction with our friends from Weston Air Days, provides arguably the biggest and best “Free to Enter” Armed Forces Event in the Southwest. Since 2014 we have been working together with the Air Days Team to bring you an exciting, exhilarating and interesting weekend and have rapidly increased our reputations, attracting an average attendance of over 100,000 visitors per day. Weston Armed Forces Weekend starts on Saturday 23rd June at 12:00 with a

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Crewkerne Remembers 100 years of the RAF To commemorate 100 years of the Royal Air Force, Crewkerne Branch members, Sandie and Tony Smith, designed and made a Poppy and an RAF Roundle made out of pom poms. They will be displaying these in one of the shops in the town of Crewkerne, along with other RAF memorabilia, from April 27th – May 4th. ADMIRAL NURSES Alice Samuel, Secretary, Crewkerne Branch CARER’S DAY The Coopers Arms Supporting the RBL at Bishopsworth The Bishopsworth RBL Branch spent an enjoyable evening at the Cooper's Arms in Ashton, Bristol. The purpose of the visit was to receive a cheque for £1,000, money raised by the landlord and customers, to fund two of our members to take part in GP90. As a thank you to them, the Branch organised a quiz for the evening and we are looking forward to more joint events in the future, including a skittles match at our Legion. The Cooper's Come and join us for some refreshments and music Arms are huge supporters of and meet the Admiral Nurses the Poppy Appeal and in the last two years have raised in Anyone Welcome excess of £5,000. They are also hoping to raise 2 teams for the RBL “It's a Knockout” at Greville Smyth Park in Ashton, just across the road from the pub. We are so lucky to have their support. 13 June 2018 14:00 – 16:00 Bishopsworth Branch Dunkirk Memorial House Road, Bishop’s Lydeard, TA4 3BT

6 7 May 2018 May 2018 FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE - 2018 Evening (7pm) performance tickets can be obtained through County Office and a ticket application form for your Branch is in this Newsletter. Please complete the form and return to County Office. Applications must be received in County Office no later than 10th August 2018. Applications received after this date will not receive tickets, and must be made through and signed by the Branch Secretary. No more than 4 tickets will be allocated per branch, if however there are spare tickets these will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Please note that all tickets cost £10 and cheques, made payable to TRBL, must be enclosed with application forms. Please also note that your seating preference very much depends on the availability of tickets for the seating required and preferences cannot be guaranteed Please make clear on the application form if you require wheelchair spaces. This is important, as all other disabled persons must be fully ambulatory and able to take their seats without assistance. Please note that tickets for the afternoon (2pm) performance are only available from the Ticket Shop of the Royal Albert Hall and must be obtained direct in accordance with the instructions enclosed. All Legion members can purchase their afternoon tickets from 09:00 on the 2nd July. DO NOT apply for afternoon performance tickets via County Office. The RAH Box Office can be contacted on 0845 401 5045 or online at www.royalalberthall.com Standard Bearers wishing to participate must apply to County Office. Depending on numbers required, nominated Standard Bearers for the County will be, in order and ifavailable,JohnGallopandBenBrett-Morgan. TheCountyCeremonialOfficerwill consider others that apply. Formal letters will be sent once our Standard Bearer participation has been confirmed. Ticket requests for any eligible accompanying partner/spouse should be made through their respective Branches. Standard Bearer attendance must be confirmed with County Office by 29th June 2018. Cenotaph Ceremony and March Past – Applications stating whether they are required for the Ex-Service Contingent or the Non Ex-Service Contingent must be received in County Office no later than 10th August 2018. Tickets and full joining instructions will be dispatched to applicants by County Office when received from Head Office. Kate Hurley MSO

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The Royal British Legion PleasePlease complete complete this this form form and and return return to: to:

Somerset County CountyCounty Secretary, Secretary, TRBL TRBL Royal Albert Hall CountyCounty Office Office Saturday 10th November 2018 DunkirkDunkirk Memorial Memorial House House Ticket Application BishopsBishops Lydeard Lydeard SomersetSomerset TA4 TA4 3BT 3BT

Branch: Code: BR This Branch would like to apply for ……. Tickets, at £10 each, for this years Festival of Remembrance, on th th Saturday 10th November. The details of those attending are as follows: - CENOTAPHCENOTAPH CEREMONY CEREMONY SUNDAY SUNDAY 11 1 NOVEMBER1 NOVEMBER 201 208 18 LegionLegion Branch Branch Application Application for Ticketsfor Tickets Legion Date & Place of Full Name Member Address Birth Number CountyCounty: : ContactContact Name Name: :

Appointment:Appointment: Full Name Address Address:Address:

TicketsTickets and andall future all future Full Name Address correspondencecorrespondence will willbe be

sentsent to this to thisaddress address

Full Name Address

PostPost Code: Code:

Please complete in full for each person, otherwise the form will be returned TelephoneTelephone Number: Number:

Branch Secretary’s Signature……………………….… Print name………………………………..…… Email:Email: I enclose a cheque for £ …….. (made payable to The Royal British Legion) No ofNo EX of- SERVICEEX-SERVICE No ofNo NON of NON EX- SERVICEEX-SERVICE nd I would prefer seats in the *2 Tier/*Stalls/*Circle/*Anywhere ticketstickets requested: requested: ticketstickets reques requested: ted: Please return tickets to: …………………………….

……………………………. Signature:Signature: Date:Date: ……………………………. PLEASEPLEASE NOTE N:OTE CIVILIANS: CIVILIANS ARE A NREOT N POTERMITTED PERMITTED TO P TARADEO PARADE IN T HEIN TEHEX- SEERVICEX-SERVICE COLUMNS COLUMNS * Please delete as applicable. Please also note that your seating preference cannot be guaranteed. TH TH th ALL AALLPPLICATIONS APPLICATIONS MUST M USTBE R BECEIVEDE RECEIVED BY 10 BY 10 AUGUST AUGUST 201 820 18 This correctly completed application form must be back at the County Office by 10 August 2018. RBL RBL USE USE ONLY ONLY County Secretary Dunkirk Memorial House Column Column Marker: Marker: ...... Date Date Issued: Issued: ...... Bishops Lydeard TicketTicket Numbers: Numbers: ...... Signature: Signature: ...... TA4 3BT 10 11

May 2018 May 2018 Help Us Remember the Somerset Men Who Died in World War One With the advice and support of the Woodland Trust, we hope to plant the 11,281 trees during the optimum planting season of December 2018 – March 2019. We and make a wood for people and wildlife hope that the large planting task will engage Somerset children, families and is asking for your help to plant a wood to commemorate communities, will help their remembrance, and will establish the support the Somerset men who fell in the Great War that ended on 11th November 1918. necessary to nurture, look after and enjoy the wood for at least the next hundred Shortly after the end of the War, The Somerset Book of Honour was compiled to years. record the name of every Somerset man who lost his life in the Great War. This As the wood grows, it will attract increasing wildlife and will give hundreds of book is kept in the South Transept of Wells Cathedral. It records 11,281 names. species of birds, mammals and insects a habitat in which to survive and thrive. It covers men who were born in Somerset, men who were resident in Somerset Sensible control of access will enable people to enjoy this ‘outdoor classroom’ and at the time of their enlistment, and men who served in Somerset-based units. tranquil community facility without damaging what they come to enjoy. In this Of this total, the extraordinary proportion of 42% (4,756) was suffered by one way, we can unite habitat, wildlife and people and link Somerset’s past, present regiment – The Somerset Light Infantry. This Regiment raised 18 battalions, of four and future. different types, during the war. Of these, four battalions served for a significant If you’d like to help us create the Somerset wood, please contact Stephen Dury, period on the Western Front and one - the 1st Battalion - stayed on the Western Project Officer, on tel 07976 695777 or email [email protected]. Front throughout the war and suffered the dreadful figure of 1,315 deaths. The 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War will be a time of remembrance and reflection. It seems right that this Somerset generation should mark the anniversary, and the sacrifice of our predecessors. We want to do so in 2018 - POPPY APPEAL - REGIONAL EVENTS a physical and enduring way that future generations of Somerset people can recognise, appreciate and benefit from. 3rd June – Canonteign Waterfalls 220ft Abseil, Nr Exeter, Devon Somerset County Council would like to mark this anniversary, and this sacrifice, 8th – 10th June – Three Peaks Challenge by organising the planting of a Somerset wood that will be protected, maintained 10th June – Hardy Monument 72ft Abseil, Nr Dorchester, Dorset and enjoyed by future generations of Somerset people. The wood will be of 24th June – It’s A knockout Event, Greville Smyth Park, Bristol 11,281 saplings, one for each Somerset man who fell in the war. Will you help us do this? 8th July – Dragon Boat Event, Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth We have been offered trees, advice and financial support by the Woodland Trust. 15th – 19th September – Castaway Survival Challenge, Mystery Beach We hope that communities, schools, cadets, families and local people will help Location/South Coast to plant the trees. We hope that Somerset businesses, Armed Forces units and not- 6th October – Bournemouth Marathon Festival, Bournemouth, Dorset for-profit organisations will want to become involved. 21st October – Great South Run, Portsmouth, Hants On the evening of 6th November 2018, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of 3rd – 10th March 2019 – Arctic Survival Challenge Somerset and the Dean of Wells Cathedral will invite the people of Somerset to ‘Somerset Remembers – a Gathering at Wells Cathedral’. The purpose of the Skydiving - dates available throughout the year Gathering is to ‘mark Somerset’s contribution to the National and Allied effort For more information during the Great War’. This service will not supplant National, Local Authority, Visit/like: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rblevents/events/ Community or Church services associated with Remembrance Sunday services on 11th November 2018. We hope that, linked to this service, the Dean will bless the creation of our Somerset wood. 12 13 May 2018 May 2018

We are holding an outreach session on Thursday 26th April 2018 Thursday 31st May 2018 Thursday 28th June 2018 Between 12PM to 2PM at Bishopsworth Royal Britsh Legion Club Manor Rd, Bishopsworth Bristol BS13 8EP

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POPPY APPEAL ORGANISER REQUIRED FOR SEASIDE TOWN Minehead does not have a Poppy Appeal Organiser at the moment. If anyone would like to take on this role, or knows someone who would be interested, please contact Adam Brown (Community Fundraiser for Somerset) on 07795611494 or email to [email protected]

COUNTY CASEWORKERS NEEDED County Welfare Caseworkers urgently needed in the Holiday Accommodation in Southern Spain Mendip and council areas. Full training will be provided. Benalmadena Costa, Malaga Please call the Contact Centre on 0808 802 8080 Quiet complex right by the sea and they will send you a full information pack. Contact Mr. Nick Greedy on If you need any further information what is involved in the role, please 07958696678 contact Dennis Cruze (CCSC Chairman) at: [email protected] or Tel: 01934 823340 Kate Hurley, MSO – Somerset

Holiday Accomodation in Northern France Historic, former coaching inn, built in 1724, sleeping up to 10 people in 5 bedrooms. Situated near St Omer, France; close to Calais, Dunkirk, Ypres and the Somme. Ideal for visiting war graves and museums in the region. The address of the property is: 2, Contour de L'eglise, Volckerinckhove, Nord 59470, France. Contact: Julian Gough, 12 Nash Close, Heckington, Lincolnshire, NG34 9UP Tel: 01529 469082. email: [email protected]

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Wednesday 13th June Carers Event (organised by the Admiral Nurses) Dunkirk Memorial House. More details to follow in the next newsletter. Saturday 7th July 2018 End of World War One Event at Dunkirk Memorial House 10am – 4pm Friday 26th October 2018 Bristol Poppy Launch Bristol Cathedral. 5.30 – 7.30 pm Thursday 1st November 2018 Bristol Poppy Day Saturday 10th November 2018 The Centenary of the End of WW1 Concert “We Thank You” at Bristol Cathedral, bringing together a wide variety of musical talent from across the region, culminating in a performance by the Orchestra and a 120 piece Choir of Karl Jenkins work “The Peacemakers”. 7.00 pm to 10.15 pm

RBL Somerset County & Bristol Newsletter Material for publication should be sent, by email, to the County Secretary ([email protected]) at County Office, to arrive by the 21st of the preceding month. All articles must be attributable – anonymous articles will not be published. Please send text as an attached Word document or within the body of the email. Send images as attached .jpg or .png files. Don't resize them - don't include them within a text file. County reserves the right to edit, amend, defer or omit articles as necessary. The current edition of the Newsletter, together with an archive of previous editions, can be found on-line at:- www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/somerset/newsletters/county-newsletter May 2018 May 2018

SOMERSETSOMERSET COUNTY COUNTY STANDARD STANDARD BEARER BEARER TRAINING TRAINING - 2018 - 2018

MonthMonth DayDay & Date & Date TimeTime VenueVenue FebruaryFebruary SaturdaySaturday 3rd 3rd 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall MarchMarch SaturdaySaturday 3rd 3rd 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall AprilApril SaturdaySaturday 14th 14th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall MayMay SaturdaySaturday 26th 26th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall JuneJune SaturdaySaturday 9th 9th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall SaturdaySaturday 8th 8th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall SaturdaySaturday 15th 15th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall SeptemberSeptember SaturdaySaturday 22nd 22nd 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall SaturdaySaturday 29th 29th 09:0009:00 - 13:00 - 13:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall CompetitionCompetition Day Day OctoberOctober SaturdaySaturday 20th 20th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall DecemberDecember SaturdaySaturday 15th 15th 14:0014:00 - 16:00 - 16:00 HighbridgeHighbridge Community Community Hall Hall StandardStandard Bearers Bearers are areexpected expected to turnto turn out out for fortraining training in uniformin uniform that that complies complies with with the theCeremonial Ceremonial Handbook Handbook - see - see ch.6.2 ch.6.2 for forfull full details. details. SOMERSETSOMERSET COUNTY COUNTY STANDARD STANDARD BEARERS BEARERS EVENTS EVENTS - 2018 - 2018 JanuaryJanuary SaturdaySaturday 6th 6th CountyCounty Conference, Conference, Writhlington Writhlington School School FebruaryFebruary SaturdaySaturday 24th 24th RegionalRegional Competition, Competition, Guildhall, Guildhall, Axminster Axminster JuneJune Sat/SunSat/Sun 23rd/24th 23rd/24thArmedArmed Forces Forces Day Day Parades, Parades, Weston-super-Mare Weston-super-Mare RECYCLE YOUR UNUSED STANDARD BEARER EQUIPMENT JulyJuly SaturdaySaturday 7th 7th WW1WW1 Event, Event, Dunkirk Dunkirk Memorial Memorial House House SeptemberSeptember Would any Branches having any old unused Standard Bearer equipment please SundaySunday 2nd 2nd DoubleDouble Hills Hills Parade, Parade, Paulton Paulton send it to County Office so that it can be used for training purposes. If your Branch has a new Standard Bearer who can't get to the training sessions listed above it may be possible to arrange other sessions depending on the date, time and place - petrol money would be appreciated! Contact John Gallop on 01934 862621 ([email protected]) to discuss possibilities. THANK YOU!! New Standard Bearers must attend at least three sessions to learn the basic skills A really big thank to the Chewton Mendip & Litton Branch for their generous required. Standard Bearers are expected to turn out at events in uniform that donation of £500 to the County Welfare Fund. complies with the RBL Ceremonial Handbook – see Ch. 6.2. for full details. They should also turn out for training dressed accordingly. All Standard Bearers are eligible to claim mileage expenses (45p per mile) from their branch for attendance at training sessions, funerals and other events they attend. A mileage claim form must be completed and submitted to their Branch Treasurer. This would come under ‘Ceremonial’ in the Branch Accounts. Kate Hurley MSO 18 19