MEMBERSHIP E-NEWSLETTER - OCTOBER 2020 View the PDF version Problems viewing? Click to view online EVERY POPPY MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THE LIVES OF OUR ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY SUPPORT THE POPPY APPEAL 2020 HOW TO GET A POPPY Like so many things this year, the Poppy Appeal Despite many of our Poppy Appeal volunteers has to adapt to the threat of the Covid-19 being unable to collect this year due to Covid- pandemic. The Legion has worked with its 19, we still want to ensure that everyone can members, staff, volunteers and partners to wear a poppy. You will be able to find poppies in create a range of ways for people to get a local supermarkets or you can buy Poppy poppy this year and help us raise vital funds. Appeal products from the Legion’s Poppy Shop. We are asking everyone to support the Poppy Poppies can be ordered online for you to Appeal, because every poppy counts and every distribute to your friends and neighbours. You poppy makes a difference to the lives of our can also download an A4 poster of the Armed Forces community. Remembrance Poppy to display at home. Support the Appeal > Find out more > POPPY SHOP POPPY APPEAL COLLECTION Poppy Appeal Pin Car Poppy Ridge Poppy Badge Returning Home 2020 Brooch View the Poppy Appeal collection > View the Poppy Pins & Brooches > Use the discount code MEMBER15 to get 15% off RECOGNISING EVERYTHING MEMBERS THE FIVEMILETOWN BRANCH WON THE HAVE DONE DURING THE PANDEMIC COMMUNITY COLLABORATION AWARD The Legion’s Covid-19 Community Response The Fivemiletown Branch in Northern Ireland Awards scheme was introduced to recognise won the Covid-19 Community Response Award the outstanding community activities that for Community Collaboration. The Branch members, volunteers and supporters have quickly became the centre of all Covid-19 delivered during this challenging time. Since the related activities in the area, with members beginning of the pandemic, Branches have collaborating with their community to raise funds become focal points in their communities to deliver over 3000 meals to vulnerable providing incredible support to the elderly and individuals, gather donations of PPE for local vulnerable. Find out who the winners are and carers and support local organisations to re- read their inspiring stories. open safely after the lockdown. Read about the winners > Read the story > STAFFORD SEWARD, FOUND A CREATIVE TWO YOUNG SUPPORTERS RAISED WAY TO RAISE FUNDS MONEY FOR GALANOS HOUSE The Kilmington Branch Chairman Stafford Sophia Preston, 10 years old and Archie Seward won the Covid-19 Community Hughes, 11 years old, raised funds for the Response Award for Creative Fundraising. After Galanos House residents and won the runners the local Council suspended the fortnightly up Covid-19 Community Response Award for green waste collection service in April, Stafford Creative Fundraising. It was after seeing who recognised how crucial the service was for Galanos House team member Jonathan local gardeners, decided to replicate the service Russell’s marathon fundraising activity that they using a tractor and trailer, encouraging people decided to run laps around their garden and to donate to support local charities including the neighbourhood and raised £700 to support the Legion, and managed to raise over £2000. care home residents during the lockdown. Read the story > Read the story > ENTER THE COMPETITION TO WIN THE SHOW YOUR SUPPORT BY CRAFTING WITH 2020 MASTERPIECE POPPY COIN DERAMORES Our partners, The Westminster Collection have We’re delighted to partner with leading online donated a limited edition Remembrance coin, knitting and crochet retailer, Deramores, who expertly crafted from a genuine piece of Spitfire, have launched a new range of poppy themed marking the 80th anniversary of the Battle of kits and digital patterns. With a portion of every Britain. For a chance to win this unique coin, sale donated to the Legion, crafting with enter the competition by clicking the button Deramores is a great way to join in with below and providing your membership number supporting the Legion at home. From a poppy and contact details by 4th November. The brooch to wear with pride, to a poppy cushion winner will be randomly selected after the cover to brighten your home, browse the full closing date. collection at the Deramores website. Enter the competition > View the Deramores collection > THE M&S POPPY COLLECTION® HAS NOW LAUNCHED The M&S Poppy Collection® has launched in store and online, with all profits supporting the Legion’s Admiral Nurse Service. The collection includes more than 14 products for men and women, such as Poppy brooches, earrings, ties and cufflinks. M&S, a long term partner of the Legion, has raised over £7m from the sales of the collection since 2009. To view the collection, click the button below or visit your local M&S. View the collection > POPPY APPEAL ORGANISER FLYLE REMEMBRANCE IDEAS AND RESOURCES HUSSAIN ON THIS YEAR’S POPPY APPEAL FOR 2020 ‘It’s important to think about the serving In 2020 we remember the men and women of personnel too because they are doing work the Second World War generation, and those of helping the NHS.’ Flyle Hussain, is the Alfriston today’s, who have served and sacrificed to & District Branch Treasurer and Poppy Appeal defend our nation. As a result of Covid-19 Organiser and he’s been working from home to restrictions, we've put together suggestions and organise collections in his area. Flyle, now 83, resources for individuals and communities to and his wife have been supporting their local help you find new ways of performing Covid Poppy Appeal for the last 15 years. safe Remembrance activities. Read the story > Find out more > SUSPENSION OF FACE TO FACE POPPY FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE AND APPEAL COLLECTIONS IN WALES CENOTAPH UPDATE Following the announcement by the Welsh This year’s Festival of Remembrance, will be a Government that further coronavirus restrictions pre-recorded programme broadcast on BBC will come into force from 1800 on Friday 23rd One on Saturday 7 November and to ensure October, we have taken the difficult decision to everyone’s safety, there will be no members in suspend any face to face collections for the attendance. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Poppy Appeal in Wales. Throughout our the annual Remembrance Sunday March Past planning the safety of the public, our volunteers, the Cenotaph will not take place this year. The staff and members has been our top priority and Government led Remembrance Service at the we have been working to ensure that all activity Cenotaph will go ahead as a closed ceremony. is safe and complies with the relevant local and You are still encouraged to mark Remembrance national regulations. Despite the absence of Sunday by taking part in socially distanced collectors, this year there are more ways than Remembrance activities, including watching the ever for people to get involved and support the service on television and pausing for the Two Poppy Appeal remotely. Minute Silence. Did you know that... We have produced a range of educational We’ve already received a large number of Remembrance resources for children aged 4- fantastic submissions highlighting the breadth 16 to enable them to understand and engage of members’ activities over the last 100 years. with Remembrance. Created in partnership Help us tell the Legion’s 100 year history in with the National Literacy Trust, the resources 2021 by sharing your membership story and enable teachers, parents and families to bring findings. To get in touch email us at Remembrance to life. [email protected] Going back in time From The Royal British Legion Magazine December, 1936 The King with Queen Mary arriving for the Cenotaph Service. Sir John Simon on Queen Mary's right: behind them are seen the Duke and Duchess of York, the Duke of Kent and the Duchess of Gloucester. Top, a section of the silent crowd. This month's poll Which of the following ways would be best for you to help promote Legion fundraising events throughout the year? 1. Distributing leaflets in your community (subject to Covid-19 restrictions) 2. Putting up posters in your community 3. Inviting friends and family to spread the word 4. Sharing information on social media 5. Getting support from the local fundraising team when reaching out to local groups or company contacts 6. None of the above/I’m not interested 7. Other Take part in the poll > Last month's poll How are you preparing to celebrate the Legion’s centenary? 110 Participants 1. By researching the branch’s history - 26.36% 2. By taking part in the Telling Our Story project or other centenary project - 7.27% 3. By planning local activities for members and the community, should the circumstances permit - 29.09% 4. Haven’t started yet - 49.09% 5. Other - 13.64% ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO JOIN Our members play a vital role in ensuring that The Royal British Legion can continue to provide support to the Armed Forces community as well as upholding the importance of Remembrance. Share this email with others you think might be interested in Legion membership. Join now! If you have any questions about the e-newsletter, please don’t hesitate to contact me. If you have questions about your membership card or want to change your home or email address please contact our Membership Services team [email protected] Best wishes, Dimitra Nikolakopoulou Membership Communications Officer [email protected] FOLLOW THE LEGION QUICK LINKS CONTACT US Membership The Royal British Legion, 199 Borough High St London SE1 1AA. Get support Poppy Shop [email protected] Copyright © 2020 The Royal British Legion.