Royal British Legion

Barely a day goes by that doesn’t coincide with the anniversary of a conflict that cost the lives of British and Commonwealth Servicemen and women. The momentous struggles of 1914-1918 and those of 1939-1945 helped shape Britain, and define who and what we are today. The fact that the countries of Western Europe now coexist in peace and relative harmony with little prospect of future armed conflict within our borders is testament to the huge sacrifices made by past generations. British forces continue to serve in harm’s way to protect our freedom and prosperity worldwide.  The Royal British Legion (RBL) aims to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten, and that members of the British armed forces, veterans and their families receive the support and care they need.

The Droxford & District Branch predates the formation of the British Legion as ‘The Droxford Branch of the Comrades of the Great War’. 2021 marked the centenary of the foundation of the British Legion on 15th May 1921 with Field Marshal The Earl Haig as its first President.  The British Legion was awarded its Royal Charter in 1925, becoming the Royal British Legion.

We aim to meet four times a year, usually at Droxford Village Hall, with a speaker on a range of interesting subjects.  There’s also an annual general meeting, an annual dinner, a summer drinks party, a Grand National draw and a pub-style quiz or Bingo night.  Apart from selling poppies in support of the annual appeal, we are not otherwise actively engaged in RBL fundraising activity.  We observe the annual Remembrance Sunday service at one of the local parish churches.  As you would expect, being so close to Portsmouth and other military centres, many of our members are ex-Service but an increasing number are civilian.  All are equally welcome.

As a member of the RBL (Droxford and District Branch) you would not only be able to ‘do your bit’ to support the British armed forces but also help keep remembrance alive.  This is not glorification of war - far from it; anyone who has witnessed the ravages of armed conflict will be quick to dispel this myth.  It is however through remembrance that we can truly appreciate 79 years of peace that has existed in Western Europe and ensure that 1½ million British and Commonwealth subjects who gave their lives in two world wars and other conflicts are never forgotten. 

For more information or to join RBL (Droxford & District) Branch, please contact the Secretary – Cdr Rob Scott RN at robmunroscott@aol.com or 01489 877800.    

      

2024 Programme of Meetings and Events

The following programme is provisional and subject to change, postponement, or cancellation. Meetings will take place in Droxford Village Hall commencing at 7.00 pm. Details will be confirmed by email prior to the event. Members without email should contact the Branch Secretary (01489 877800).

January

Monday 15th         National Security” presented by Admiral The Rt Hon The Lord West of Spithead GCB, DSC, PC                             

March                    

Monday 18th        “Rowing the Atlantic in HMS Oardacious” by Lieutenant Commander Hugo Mitchell Heggs RN,

April

Thursday 11th       Grand National Draw organised by Mrs Elizabeth Parker

May

Monday 13th         “Lionel (Buster) Crabb – Cover up Ministry of Secrets” presented by Author Giles Milton with Commander Julian Malec OBE RN.

June

Thursday 6th         80th Anniversary of D-Day, Operation OVERLORD

Thursday 27th       18.30 Summer Drinks Party to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Operation OVERLORD at Exton Cottage, Allen’s Farm Lane, Exton, SO32 3NW by kind permission of Mr and Mrs David Frere-Cook.  

September  

Monday 11th        “Small Island, Twelve Maps which Explain the History of Britain” presented by author Philip Parker.

October                                     

Monday 14th         RBL Annual Dinner (venue to be confirmed) 7.00pm for 7.30pm

November             

Sunday 10th          REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE 10.50 am at St Peter’s Church, Soberton

Monday 11th          Annual General Meeting

Friday 22nd           Bingo, quiz or other fundraising event 7.30pm

 

Non-members are always welcome when we have a speaker.  Please aim to arrive at Droxford Village Hall by 6.50pm. There’s no charge but donations are always appreciated.  Please contact the Secretary at robmunroscott@aol.com at least a week beforehand to ensure there have been no changes and to book a place if you would like to join us for supper after the talk (£15 per head payable in cash on the night).