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August 2015 BRANCH SECRETARIES - PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITEMS IN THIS

NEWSLETTER SHOULD FORM PART OF YOUR REPORT

LEGION LIFE MEMBERSHIP AWARDED

On Wednesday 8th July, Ray Gibson,

Chairman of East Cowes RBL Branch, was

surprised when Lt. Col David Langford,

Deputy Lord Lieutenant, arrived.

Unbeknown to Ray, the Branch had arranged

for him to be presented with his Legion

National Life Membership.

Ray joined the Legion in 1964 when he

became a member of Bittern Branch,

Southampton and has been involved in

Legion life and collecting for the Poppy

Appeal from the very beginning.

In 1976 Ray moved to the Isle of Wight, and

transferred his membership to East Cowes

Branch where he was very soon involved, becoming Branch Treasurer as well as a member of the Service Committee.

Having moved to Sandown Ray joined Shanklin Branch and then, following a further move, joined Newport & Carisbooke

Branch. Over the years Ray has been a Standard Bearer, welfare visitor, case worker and a Poppy Appeal organiser (a

role he still undertakes for the Godshill, Rookley and Newchurch District).

In 1991 Ray was elected onto the County Committee and later went on to become County Vice-Chairman and County

Chairman. Ray also undertook the role of County Poppy Co-ordinator from 1995 to 2004. As a member of the County

Committee, Ray was instrumental in forming a working party to develop the County Plan and worked tirelessly to bring

the County in line with current working practices.

Whilst County Chairman, Ray re-joined East Cowes

Branch in 1997 taking on the role of Branch Chairman to

help the Branch recruit following the loss of several

longstanding members. Despite ill health, Ray has

continued to work hard to keep the branch going.

In addition to the branch members, also attending the

presentation were Karen Gibson (County Vice-Chairman)

Ernie Howard and Helen Howard (County Committee

Members).

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Membership Matters ……..

Information received from Stephanie Harris, our Membership Support Officer - Telephone Joining

Becoming a member via telephone is now live. Anyone wishing to join via this method should phone the Legion’s main contact number: 0808 802 8080, the call will then be transferred to Novacroft to process the membership application. Telephone joining will enable new joiners to pay for their membership by direct debit or debit/credit card and they will be able to join any branch. Please note new joiners will not be able to join a club via the telephone but if they are interested in joining a club they will be provided with the applicable contact information for the club.

On line joining

Online joining is also now available. Anyone wishing to become a member via this method should go to the Legion website at: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/membership/join-us. When someone joins online, and they put in their contact address, it then identifies the 5 closest local branches as well as all the National branches so the individual can then choose whether they want to join a local or National branch. Online joining will enable new joiners to pay for their membership by direct debit or debit/credit card. Please note new joiners will not be able to join a club via online joining but they will be provided with the contact information for the club they would like to join during the online joining process.

Appointed Trustees

Please see attached letter from the National Chairman regarding appointed trustees.

Volunteers Wanted I am always looking for ways to support our beneficiaries, members and the general public as much and as quickly as possible. Over the past year I have seen a huge increase in requests for buglers for events (mainly funerals), speakers for schools and other organisations and befriending services. I am also asked for veterans to attend events or give talks. To enable me to deal with these requests quickly and efficiently I am seeking your help to build a local database that holds a list of volunteers that are able to assist with these queries. This will enable me to contact the volunteer directly rather than via the branch secretary who may be on holiday, unable to assist etc. The funeral cases are usually quite short notice so anything to speed up the process would help me immensely.

If you feel able to assist with any of the above roles, please e-mail me at sharris@britishlegion.org.uk giving your contact details and brief outline of how you can help.

Following the Board of Trustees meeting on 18th June in regard to the Charter Motions and Motions carried at Annual Conference 2015 the “Resolutions – Action Taken” booklet has been produced which conveys the decisions of the Board of Trustees. Please find copy enclosed with this newsletter.

Steph Harris, MSO

NATIONAL and

AREA NEWS AND

EVENTS

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Marking the 70th

Anniversary of VJ Day.

There are a number of events taking place on the Island this month to mark the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day.

VENTNOR CARNIVAL - VJ DAY ANNIVERSARY - Wednesday 12th August, 2015

Standard Bearers and veterans are invited to take part in Ventnor carnival on Wednesday 12 August. This

parade will commemorate the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day. Form up is at the bottom of Dudley Road/Albert

Street at 6.30pm for March off at 7pm.

The parade will march behind the Mayor's car at the front of the procession and a couple of veterans have

already been invited to ride in his car. The parade will march round the town twice, although anyone is able to

drop out after one circuit.

For more information contact Danny McMeechan on 854869 or "danny.braveheart23@talktalk.net".

SERVICE OF COMMEMORATION – St. George’s Church, Arreton – 15th August, 2015

The above invitation has been received for a service to be held at St. George’s Church, Arreton on Saturday 15th August 2015 at 11am. Because St. George’s Church is small, please contact Reverend Janice O'Shaughnessy, Vicar of St George's Church, Arreton to let her know you will be going. Email: ColleenAluinn@aol.com

OTHER ISLAND

NEWS AND

EVENTS

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VJ 70 DRUMHEAD SERVICE - Warnes Lane Field, Brighstone – 23rd August, 2015

The Isle of Wight RBL County Committee assisted by Brighstone & District Branch are holding a Drumhead

Service to mark the 70th Anniversary of VJ Day on Sunday 23rd August. The event is being held in Warnes

Lane Field, Brighstone and will commence at 2pm.

In addition to the drumhead service, there will be a grand display from the Medina Marching Band with

RBL and other Association Standards also giving a display.

Brighstone Branch are aiming to serve up tasters of the food eaten in the 1940’s

and anyone wishing to come along in 1940’s style dress are very welcome to do

so.

Any Branch who wishes to is welcome to have a stall at the event. Please

contact Reg Hunt IW 740107 for more details.

Plans are also in progress for a surprise event.

Please come along and support us.

--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- National Events for VJ Day70 On June 21, the government announced that The Royal British Legion, in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, will lead the national commemorations this summer to mark the 70th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, known as ‘VJ Day 70’, taking place on Saturday 15 August 2015 in central London. Let VJ Day stories live on

The Legion is seeking stories from people who either served in the Pacific or who were civilian FEPOWs (Far East Prisoners of War) during the Second World War. If you have a story to share, or know of a family member, friend or beneficiary who may like to share their experiences, please encourage them to email their story to poppylegion@britishlegion.org.uk with subject header ‘VJ Day 70 stories’.

Keeping you informed

As new information becomes available the VJ Day 70 Events Team will keep you informed via regular email updates. Further information will also be posted on the MAP. In addition, further information and updates will be posted on the Legion’s VJ Day page and the Government’s VJ Day website.

For all enquiries regarding the upcoming VJ Day commemorations please email VJDay70@britishlegion.org.uk or call 020 3053 7015.

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WW1 Anniversary Events

GREAT WAR MEMORIAL DEDICATION – Wednesday, 12th August

On Wednesday, 12th August 2015 Newport Parish Council are dedicating their “Great War Memorial”. This will take place at 2pm on the riverbank opposite the Maplins/Cineworld complex. The sculpture is a commemoration to those that fought and died during the Great War (1914-1918) and the date marks the 100th anniversary of an action against enemy positions in Gallipoli by the 8th Hants (Isle of Wight Rifles) where many local men lost their lives.

GALLIPOLI COMMEMORATION CEREMONY – Sunday, 16th August A Gallipoli commemoration ceremony has been organised by the Ventnor WWI Commemoration Committee and this will take place on Sunday 16 August in Ventnor Park, Park Avenue, Ventnor. All veterans, standard bearers, ex-service associations, youth organisations, police, fire and prison service are being invited. From 1pm there will be music by Quintisle and the Sandown & Shanklin Military Band. Static displays have been organised and will include a display of WWI weaponry and artefacts. There will also be a raffle with some great prizes including tea for two at The Royal Hotel, Ventnor. Form up for a short march is at 2.30pm followed by a church service at 3pm. The ceremony will end at 3.30pm and everyone is invited to Ventnor RBL social club for a buffet. Parking is available 300 metres past the War Memorial towards the Botanic Gardens. It is in Flowersbrook House, the first entrance on the left. The IW Lord Lieutenant will be in attendance along with local and Island dignitaries. If you would like to attend or require more information, please contact Danny McMeechan on 854869 or "danny.braveheart23@talktalk.net". Danny McMeechan Major (Retd) Chairman, Ventnor WWI Commemoration Committee

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News from the Women’s Section on the Isle of Wight ……

The Women’s Section will be having a Tombola stall at Calbourne Mill 1940’s event over the weekend of 8th/9th August 2015. We are pleased to hear that Jenny Dyer, our County President, is making good progress following her recent surgery. Women’s Section Handicraft Compeition will be taking place at Whippingham Village Hall on Monday 28th September. The Women’s Section county conference will be held on Monday 23rd November 2015

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COWES RBL BAND

In July this year the Cowes Royal British Legion Band completed their twenty seventh visit

to Deauville, the Normandy twin town of Cowes, for the annual Bastille Day Parade. The

Drum Major, Roy Jackson, has attended all twenty –seven times.

Our many thanks go out to the other Island marching bands who are RBL affiliates, Vectis Corps Of Drums, Wight

Diamonds, & Medina Marching Band, for whom their goodwill allows us pull this off

Les Gladdis

Cowes RBL Band

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HAPPY RETIREMENT ROY!!

Roy Thomas was presented with a silver photo frame and a clock on Sunday 28th June by the

Club Chairman, Tony Coleman, to mark his retirement after 26 years working behind the bar

at Shanklin RBL Club.

Many members signed a card for him to mark the occasion and were there to wish him well.

As there was music being played that afternoon for a members birthday the DJ announced as Roy left the

club “Roy is leaving the building” and this was met by a round of applause from those present. Many

members have remarked how much he will be missed after so many years of service to members both past

and present during such a long period of service.

Mrs. Rita Newsham

Shanklin Branch is sad to announce the sudden passing of Mrs Rita Newsham on 30th June aged just 60.

Rita was one of the founder members of Shanklin Royal British Legion Ladies Darts League which was

formed just over thirty years ago.

For the last 15 years she has been Chairperson for the Darts League and her vibrant and cheery personality

made the annual presentation night in Shanklin RBL Club a lively and enjoyable evening for all present. She

will be sorely missed not just by her own team, of which she was Captain, but also the many lady darts

team players in the league, both past and present.

Although team numbers have dwindled over the last few years Rita was determined to keep the league

going and to that end her fellow players will do their best to keep it as a memorial to her. Her popularity

was obvious by the number of friends and fellow dart team members who attended her funeral and there

were around 200 people in attendance to support her family.

She leaves her husband Steve, brother Brian, Daughter Kerry and son Lee along with two young

grandchildren.

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Calling all Standard Bearers and

prospective Standard Bearers …….

A Standard bearers open day event will be held on Saturday 22nd

August at the Community Centre in St Martins Road Wroxall

between 1:00pm and 4:00pm. The idea of the event is for anyone

who might be interested in carrying a standard to come along and

find out more about standard bearing. Have a chat with the

standard bearers, have a try at carrying a standard and find out

about the standard bearer training evenings.

To that end I would be very grateful if you display the

enclosed poster or make its contents known to anyone

you think may be interested.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact

me on terryyvonne@hotmail.co.uk

Terry Clarkson,

IW RBL County Parade Marshal

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We have three RBL Clubs on the Isle of Wight.

Club membership is open to all Legion

members.

Please contact the club direct for more

information.

NEWS FROM

THE

CLUBS

RYDE RBL CLUB

Can be found at -

1 St. James Street,

Ryde, IW. PO33 2NF

For more information visit their

website at:

www.ryderbl.co.uk

OR telephone 01983 613302

VENTNOR RBL CLUB

Can be found at –

35 High Street,

Ventnor, IW, PO38 1LZ

For more information visit their website at:

www.rblsc-ventnor.co.uk

OR telephone 01983 853905

The Club is currently undergoing some

refurbishment but remains open for business as

usual.

Live Entertainment on Saturdays - 9pm to Midnight

1st

Aug Patsy’s Cabaret

8th

Aug Beats Working

15th

Aug Darren’s Disco

22nd

Aug Stevie B

28th

Aug Simon Howard

SHANKLIN RBL CLUB

Can be found at –

2 Collingwood Road,

Shanklin, IW, PO37 7LN

Lunches available most days. Sunday roast

available but must be booked in advance.

Live entertainment most Saturdays.

For more information please contact the

club direct on 01983 862234

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DIARY DATES ……. 9th August – Gallipoli Commemorative Church Service, Newport Minster 2.45pm. For more information contact Garath Sprack IW 566156 e-mail gareth@glsprack.fsnet.co.uk

12th August – Newport Parish Council - Dedication of Great War Memorial 2pm 12th August – Ventnor Carnival 6.30pm 15th August – VJ70 Service, St. George’s Church, Arreton 11am

16th August – WW1 event Ventnor Park. For more information contact Danny McMeechan e-mail danny.braveheart23@talktalk.net 22nd August – Standard Bearer Open Day. Wroxall Community Hall 1pm 23rd August – VJ70. Drumhead Service at Brighstone. For more information contact Reg Hunt IW 740107 or Terry Clarkson terryyvonne@hotmail.co.uk 4th September - Meeting of Branch Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen. Ventnor RBL Club 6.30pm 6th September -Earl Mountbatten Memorial Service, Romsey Abbey Further details: bsoffe@britishlegion.org.uk

24th October – County Poppy Launch, St. Thomas Square, Newport

8th November -Remembrance Sunday 26th November – IW County Standard Bearer Competition. Church Centre, Newport at 6.45pm

The next meeting for all Branch

Chairmen and Vice-Chairman will take

place at Ventnor RBL Club on Friday

4th September at 6.30pm

Some Car parking may be available in

the immediate vicinity of the Club,

alternatively the Central car park in is

only about 300 metres away.

We will remember them ……

M. Channing – Ventnor

R. Jacobs – Ventnor

Mrs. R. Newsham – Shanklin

Les Skinner – East Cowes

Our sincere condolences go to their family

and friends.

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30th June 2015 was the financial year end for Branches. For several of you, this year

will be the first time you have had to complete the year end return. This should be a

straight forward process but if you have any problems or queries please contact either

Steph Harris, our MSO sharris@britishlegion.org.uk or Karen Gibson

gibsonkiw@outlook.com . Karen can also be contacted by phone on 07791 065709

By now you should have -

The appropriate Receipts & Payments or Branch Account Form for the Branch

The “Guide to Completing the Branch Annual Return”

If you have not received your pack please let Steph Harris know immediately.

Please remember that the form needs to be approved by the Branch Committee

before it is sent for Independent Examination and once the examination has been

completed the form should be sent to Steph. This needs to be done by 30th

September. Please DO NOT wait for your branch AGM before sending off the form to

Steph.

Contact details for the Independent Examiners on the Isle of Wight were included in

last month’s newsletter but if you missed this their details are repeated below.

Karen Gibson

01983 865664

07791 065709 gibsonkiw@outlook.com

David Ramsay 01983 524849 daveramsay240@msn.com

Claire Kay

01983 811652

07927 112600 (text only) annclaireshelley.kay@gmail.com

If the branch does not submit the completed form by 30th September (as well as the

MS1 form in December), it will not be eligible for voting representation at Conference

nor will the branch be able to participate in the nomination and election via postal

ballot for elected officers so it is important for the branch not miss the deadline.

The Branch should also be aware that if it has failed to submit its year end returns for

two consecutive years as at 1st October 2015 automatic closure procedures will be

commenced by HQ. The County does not wish to see this happen to any of our

branches on the IW so please, please, if you think you are going to have a problem let

Steph Harris, our MSO, know immediately.

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ALL LEGION ENQUIRIES

(including Welfare Requests)

SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CONTACT CENTRE

ON

0808 8028080

________________________

Membership Support Officer – Mrs Stephanie

Harris

104 Above Bar Street, Southampton,

Hampshire, SO14 7DT

E-mail: sharris@britishlegion.org.uk

Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk

Registered Charity number 219279

Newsletter Enclosures:-

Resolutions – Action Taken

Appointed Trustees letter

Standard Bearer Open Day poster

Hampshire South & IW Poppy Appeal

Newsletter

IT’S YOUR

NEWSLETTER !!!

If anyone has any articles they would

like to submit for publication in the

monthly newsletter please e -mail the

newsletter editor at

rbliwcounty@outlook.com

Or send to:

2 Hope Mead, Langbridge, Newchurch, IW, PO36 0NP

by the 20th of each month.

Anything from jokes and poems, or

hints and tips to remarkable personal

achievements and Branch events. Or

even adverts!

Everything will be considered.