The Ruddington Branch of the Royal British Legion have been very busy lately. November is always a busy time, especially with the annual Poppy Appeal.
You may have noticed that, at the annual Remembrance Service at St Peter’s Church, it was Keyworth’s Standard that was carried rather than Ruddington’s.
This was because Ruddington had been selected to attend the Annual Festival of Remembrance at The Royal Albert Hall in London on Saturday 9th November. This was the first time Ruddington’s Standard had been to the Royal Albert Hall for this event since the branch was inaugurated in 1935!
Louise Mote carried Ruddington’s Standard and was one of three standard bearers representing Nottinghamshire, with Mark Johnson carrying Gotham’s Standard, and Ken Childs carrying Worksop’s.
What does the Royal British Legion do and how is the money we give spent?
Most people know the Royal British Legion does wonderful work supporting service leavers from the Army, Navy and Airforce, and their families. However, little is known about the support we offer people behind the scenes.
This includes providing training, careers advice, housing support, and mental health and welfare support, amongst other services supported by your donations. If local members in Ruddington are in need, there are funds available to help them.
What does our local Ruddington branch do?
We’re a small but very friendly social group, which tries to meet regularly. Not all of us have been in the armed forces, as everyone’s welcome to join. We look out for members who are older or unwell and also run film shows, often with themed refreshments.
We recently held a Veterans’ Breakfast meeting at The Ruddington Arms, who were wonderful hosts. This was free for service leavers and cost just £7.50 for everyone else.
The branch has other events planned and has started a programme of talks; we’re always open to new ideas. Our members’ ages range from 20-something to…. well, a lot older!
Sadly, many Royal British Legion branches are closing. For our branch to continue, we need volunteers: people who just want to get involved as little or as much as they can, so please come along!
To find out more, please call 07821 909 008.
Louise Mote