THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION - Worcestershire, Gloucestershire Herefordshire & Bristol
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THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
ISSUE 24
March 2020
Worcestershire, Gloucestershire
Herefordshire & Bristol
Area Office address is : 60 Union Street, Broadmead,
Bristol BS1 2DL
Telephone number is : 0333 011 4400
VE Day is on Friday 8th May 2020. It will mark 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe. Years of carnage and destruction had come to an end and millions of people took to the streets and pubs to celebrate peace, mourn their loved ones and to hope for the future. The 75th anniversary will pro- vide our nation with an opportunity to reflect on the enormous sacrifice, courage and determination of people from all walks of life. Friday 8th May 2020 has been designated a bank holiday. To commemorate this important time there will be various VE Day Street Parties and Celebrations in Bristol. Friday 8th May 2020 has been designated by the Government as a Bank Holi- day, with licensing hours extended to enable as many towns, parishes, district, community and other councils, along with individuals, voluntary organisations, the holiday and hospitality industry including pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels etc., to join in the VE Day 75 celebrations, so we do hope that you will take part over the VE Day weekend of the 8th – 10th May 2020, providing you with the opportunity to pay your personal tribute to those millions at home and abroad who gave so much to ensure we all enjoy the freedom we share today.
VE day 2020 is on Friday 8th May, the 75th Anniversary of the day that the German High command surrendered to Allied Forces. We want to mark this momentous occasion by inviting the entire nation to take part in thanking all those who made victory in Europe possible and to celebrate the end of conflict 75 years ago. We will remember the 5 million British Armed Forces who came home after WW2 and the 6 million Holocaust victims who never saw home again. For more information about this event please visit: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/ve -day-75 or email our events team at commemorative.events@britishlegion.org.uk
WARMLEY NORMANDY VETERANS
In Castle Park Bristol there are 5 silver birch trees planted, each one
dedicated to one of the Normandy beaches where troops landed on D Day 6
June 1944.
GOLD - JUNO—OMAHA—SWORD—UTAH
A plaque was erected by each tree early in 2019 but unfortunately they were
vandalized a few months later.
On a rainy day in November 2019, Paul Turner, the Chairman of Warmley
Normandy Veterans, led a commemorative service to reinstate the plaques and
install a lectern which explains D Day and what happened on the beaches.
Members of the Warmley Normandy Veterans braved the showers to attend
the dedication service which included Piper Sandy Kemlo playing “Flowers of
the Forest”.
Bristol Walk Fest Bristol’s month long walking festival, now in its seventh successful year runs from May 1 to 31 and offers a choice of many ways to explore the city and its surrounds on foot. Over 250 walking events Choices include heritage tours, nature walks, explorations of street art and statues, wild food forays, walking sports tasters, woodland storytimes as well as plenty of ways to exercise muscles, discover new places or simply enjoy some fresh air with like-minded companions. Most events are free and there’s something in the programmes for all ages, interests, backgrounds and fitness levels, including those in wheelchairs or with children in buggies. Active Ageing Foundation Bristol Walk Fest 2019 is coordinated by Active Ageing Bristol, a collaboration between Bristol Sport Foundation, The Anchor Society and St Monica Trust, partnership with Age UK Bristol with funding from Active Ageing Bristol and the Travelwest Fund. More information For more information and to see the full programme, head to the Bristol Walk Fest website or follow them on social media. You can also pick up a programme from a Bristol library or the Bristol Tourist Information Centre. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ VE Day Bristol
BENEFITS RATES APRIL Proposed Rates 2019/20 Rates 2018 ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE Lower Rate ……………………………………………..£58.70 £57.30 Higher Rate …………………………………………….£87.65 £85.60 ————————————————————————————————————-- CARERS ALLOWANCE ………………………………£66.15 £64.60 ————————————————————————————————————-- DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE Care Component Lowest…………………………………………………..£23.20 £22.65 Middle …………………………………………………..£58.70 £57.30 Highest …………………………………………………£87.65 £85.60 Mobility Component Lower …………………………………………………..£23.20 £22.65 Higher ………………………………………………….£61.20 £59.75 ————————————————————————————————————-- PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT Daily Living Component Standard ………………………………………………£58.70 £57.30 Enhanced …………………………………………… £87.65 £85.60 Mobility Component Standard ………………………………………………£23.20 £22.65 Enhanced ……………………………………………..£61.20 £59.75 ————————————————————————————————————-- SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE Basic Rate…………………………………………….£79.50 £77.65 Age Related Addition ……………………………… £11.90 £11.60 Lower Rate & middle ……………………………….£6.60 £6.45
STATE PENSION Proposed Rates 2019/20 Rates 2018 New State Pension ……………………………. £168.60 £164.35 Category A or B ………………………………… £129.20 £129.95 Category B (lower) - spouse or civil partners …£77.45 £75.50 Category C or D –non contributory …………….£77.45 £75.50 ———————————————————————————————————- JOB SEEKERS ALLOWANCE Rates 2018/19/20 Under 25 ………………………………………………Weekly £57.90 Over 25 ………………………………………………..Weekly £73.10 ———————————————————————————————————- UNIVERSAL CREDIT Standard allowances …………………………………………………Monthly Single Under 25 ……… £251.77 …...Single 25 or over ………£317.82 Couple both under 25 …….£395.20…Couple one or both over 25..£498.89 Elements Only/Eldest Child ………….£277.08 ……….Other Children……….£231.67 Disabled child Lower rate.. £126.11 ………………….Higher Rate £392.08 Limited capability for work ……………………………………………..£126.11 Limited capability for work and work related activity ………………..£336.20 Carer ……………………………………………………………………..£160.20 ———————————————————————————————————-
Harry Billinge has been appointed MBE for services to charitable fundraising
A D-Day veteran who
raised more than
£25,000 towards the
cost of building a
national memorial
honouring his fallen
comrades has
become an MBE
Harry Billinge, 94, said he was accepting the honour in memory of the ‘fellas that
never came back’.
He was presented with the honour by the Queen during a ceremony at
Buckingham Palace.
Mr Billinge from St Austell in Cornwall was 18 when he landed on Gold Beach on
June 6th 1944. ‘It was hell on earth, Murder. The sea was red with blood,
human blood,’ he said.
Mr Billinge, who has dedicated much of his life to fundraising, said the memory
of the 22,442 service men killed during D-Day had ‘never left him’.
I never expected any medal for collecting a few pounds, or a thousand pounds
for the boys that never came back, he told BBC Breakfast.
‘All I set out to do, I achieved and I’m still doing it’
In June 2019 he
travelled to Normandy
to mark the 75th
anniversary of the D-
Day landings.
He went to see the unveiling of the first
foundation stones of a memorial to
remember those who served in the
British forces during the war
Last week, the Legion and D-Day Veterans accepted the Judges Special Award at ‘The Millies’, held at Banqueting House in London. It was presented by celebrity ambassador Ross Kemp. The Legion team and Veterans were also at Number 10, Downing Street ahead of the Award Ceremony at a special reception hosted by the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. To mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings last June 6, the Legion took 255 Normandy veterans who had helped to liberate France, across the Channel on a chartered ship to attend commemorative events. Bob Gamble, Assistant Director of Commemorative Events, said: ‘ Many of the veterans who went on the boat last year had never been back to Normandy. They were lions and they are lions now.’
The following poem was written by Keith Lawson: His body may be bent, his hair is thin and grey But this man was a hero, 75 years ago today. He left his wife and children not knowing if he would return, But now upon a landing craft his stomach began to churn. His mouth was dry but his eyes were moist with the beginning of a tear, He looked upon the beaches paralysed with fear. MOVE! THE Sergeant screamed, he ran and made it to the sand. He did his job and advanced a little, on that foreign land. He stopped and rested, on that blood-soaked beach, He glanced upon the bodies, of his mates that seemed so out of reach. The battle lasted twelve months more before he came back home, Though welcomed back into his family he never felt more alone. His wife he loved, his children too but they would never understand The horrors that he suffered upon that foreign land. God bless you Sir and all your friends from a nation now so proud. Of the sacrifice you made for us, your tears are now allowed. I will stand with you, comfort you and hold your weary hand. Everything I am is because of you and your heroics upon that foreign land.
Christmas puddings at Buckingham Palace
Four generations of the Royal Family prepare Royal British Legion Christmas
puddings at Buckingham Palace.
Royal Family help launch new
community initiative.
Four generations of the Royal
Family helped us launch a new
community initiative which will
provide extra support to the
Armed Forces community at
annual festive get togethers.
Starting in 2020, ‘Together at Christmas’ will be hosted at high street locations,
care homes, membership branches and other locations with the aim of combating
the loneliness and isolation experienced by some members of the Armed Forces
community at what can be a difficult time of the year.
To kick off the launch, Her Majesty The Queen was joined by Their Royal
Highnesses' The Prince of Wales, The Duke of Cambridge and Prince George to
prepare special Royal British Legion Christmas puddings at Buckingham Palace
in December 2019
The session at Buckingham Palace was led by Alex Cavaliere, Catering Manager
and chef at Galanos House. Alex created a new Royal British Legion recipe for
the launch, with the Royal Family uniquely adding poppy seeds to the mixture in
a nod to the iconic symbol of Remembrance. Also present were Legion
ambassadors Liam Young ( featured in our They Still Go campaign), Colin
Hughes (Chairman of the Southport Branch), Barbara Hurman and Lisa Evans
(Community Fundraiser)
The puddings will be part of 99 puddings distributed by the Legion in time for
Christmas 2020 get togethers, marking our 99th year.
‘’ Bringing people, families and communities together lies at the heart of the
Legion’s work and has done since we were founded in 1921’ said Director
General, Charles Byrne.
As we head towards our centenary in 2021, we are proud to start a new tradition
for our community with the support of our Patron, Her Majesty The Queen and
three generations of her familyWho We Are and What We Do
We are the independent champion
for people who use health and
social care services. We’re here to
make sure that those running
services, put people at the heart of
care.
Our sole purpose is to understand
the needs , experiences and
concerns of people who use health
and social care services and to
speak out on their behalf.
We focus on ensuring that people’s
worries and concerns about current
services are addressed.
We work to get services right for the
future
We are here to listen to what you like about services and what you think could be
improved. No matter how big or small the issue, we want to hear about it.
We are looking to support veterans through our patient feedback service and
in particular issues that affect ex-forces personnel around access to health
and social care. We are able to work mutually to support Healthwatch Bristol,
data collection and the representation of veterans voices. Our team will also
offer signposting to the RBL, to those eligible, who are contacting
Healthwatch from a service background.
We are happy to be building relationships across the city and look forward to
working with them as we approach the VE day commemoration event later
this year.
Where possible, we will let you know when changes are planned to services in
our community and help you have a say. We will also encourage those in charge
of local care to involve you when changes are being planned to services.
You can also speak to us to find information about health and social care services
available locally.
Call us on: 07944 369 180
Email: contact@healthwatchbristol.co.uk
You can share your experiences at: www.healthwatchbristol.co.ukFREE WILL WRITING SERVICE
There is no obligation to leave a gift in your Will to The Royal British Legion when
using the Free Will Writing Service
Our new Legacy advert has been
launched. It features a mix of real
legacy pledgers and existing brand
footage.
The advert promotes our Free Will Writing Service
which aims to encourage respondents to pledge a
gift in their Will to the Legion.
The advert was on air till the end of November and
will be back on again from January 2020.
It will run during the day time on week days and weekends, across channels including
ITV Digital, C4 Digital, Sky Movies and other SKY entertainment
Text RBL to 70007 or Call 0800 144 5821 Www.britishlegion.org.uk/freewills29 years since the end of the Gulf War.
Fought from 1990 to 1991, the Gulf War saw the largest use of British troops in a
single deployment since the Second World War
On 2nd August 1990, on the
orders of Saddam Hussein,
Iraqi forces invaded
neighbouring Kuwait. The
invasion was condemned by
coalition and the west feared
Iraq’s next move would be to
invade Saudi Arabia and take
control of the region’s oil
supply
With tensions bubbling, US President George Bush ordered troops to protect
Saudi Arabia and a total of 430,000 US troops and 53,457 British troops were
deployed to prepare for defensive action.
After a wide condemnation, the United Nations imposed trade sanctions and
demanded Iraq withdraw from Kuwait, giving them a deadline of 15 January 1991
for Iraqi Forces to leave. But the demand was ignored.
A coalition air war—known as Operation Desert Storm –began on 17 January
1991 against military, economic and communications targets in Iraq and Kuwait to
force Iraq to withdraw.
Following a month of unrelenting airstrikes, land operations started on 24
February 1991. Just 100 hours after the attack was launched Kuwait City was
recaptured and on 28 February a cease-fire was announced. The war was a short
but complicated conflict and the repercussions in the region were felt long after.
During the conflict 392 coalition service personnel died, including 47 British
servicemen. It’s estimated that between 20,000 to 35,000 Iraqi soldiers were killed
and around 100,000 civilians lost their lives as a result of the short war.
Gulf War Illness. - Shortly after the end of the Gulf War, veterans of the conflict
began to report similar health issues when they returned home.
Initially, reports emerged from the U.S.A. that veterans were developing unusual
illnesses. These were followed by similar reports from the UK., Denmark, Canada
and Australia in 1993.
In all these cases previously fit veterans developed symptoms which included,
chronic fatigue, hypertension, muscle pain, cognitive problems, reduced co-
ordination, rashes, diarrhoea, skin conditions and P.T.S.D.Meet Charlie, a beagle/pointer
cross-breed and a rescue dog
from Northern Cyprus who has
become and unofficial Legion
ambassador. He and the rest of
his litter were abandoned in a
shopping trolley outside a
supermarket when they were just
four weeks old. The litter went
into foster care and Legion Team
Administrator (Individual Giving),
Jill Boorman adopted him from
the dog pound. He was able to fly
to Heathrow at four months old
Charlie proudly wears his poppy on walks, which has proved to be a great
conversation starter, between Jill and those she meets, about the Legion’s varied
work. People are often surprised to hear the Legion is not just about the Poppy
Appeal and Remembrance. Thanks to Charlie, Jill can elaborate on our different
roles.
OPERATION POPPY
Undercover celebrities accepted a
mission to join forces with poppy
collectors across the UK. ‘With the
help of GCHQ, which is celebrating
its centenary year, we ran
Operation Poppy—a series of code
-breaking challenges to help
people identify our celebrities. Our
covert collectors were Eddie
Izzard, Deborah Meaden, Arlene
Phillips, Rachel Riley, Antony
Cotton, Ross Kemp, Jeff Brazier,
Ben Shephard and JB Gill.
Thank you to all of them and to all
our collectors for making this such
a special year.Prime Minister unveils plans to mark 75 years since VE Day. Prime Minister Boris Johnson had announced the UK Government’s plans for the commemorations starting on Bank Holiday Friday 8 May 2020 and continuing over the weekend. Commemorations will begin at Westminster Abbey with a Service of Thanksgiving attended by hundreds of veterans and representatives of the Second World War generation. At 3pm, an extract from Sir Winston Churchill's victory speech will be broadcast in public spaces across the UK recreating the iconic moment the |Prime Minister announced the end of the war. Second World War veterans and individuals that contributed to the war effort will then take part in a procession down the Mall. Events will conclude in a fly past that will include the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, followed by a tea party for veterans in St James’s Park. Throughout the weekend, part of St James’s Park will be turned into ‘Victory Park’ where veterans and the public can experience themed events based on life in the UK during the Second World War. A nearby ‘Military Village,’ also situated in St James’s Park, will provide an opportunity for the public to meet serving military personnel who will be there with a display of modern military equipment.
The Legion will host veterans, descendants, child evacuees and all those who contributed to the war effort, plus their companions, as VIPs throughout the events over 8-9 May in London. There is also an opportunity for veterans to apply simply to join the Parade on 8th May, which is being organised by the ministry of Defence in conjunction with RBL.. Other VE Day events include a Service of Remembrance and parade in Cardiff, a Veteran's parade and concert in Edinburgh and the opportunity for street parties to take place in cities, towns and villages across the country. Prime Minister Johnson said: The 75th anniversary of VE Day marks a historic moment for our great country to come together and reflect on the heroes of the Second World War. No one will ever forget what they sacrificed in defending our freedom and securing peace across Europe, and we will continue to honour those who contributed at home and abroad. This programme of events gives the whole nation a chance to thank all those involved for everything they did– both for those alive today and for future generations. In the coming weeks the Government will announce major plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, 15th August, which marked Victory Over Japan and the final end of the Second World War.
BRISTOL OUTREACH LOCATIONS S.W.MIDLANDS AREA
Bristol Pop In 60 Union Street Monday to Friday 10am to
4pm (1 –2pm closed)
Broadmead Bristol BS1
2DL
Veterans Breakfast Club Asda, Abbey Wood Retail Last Tuesday of the month
park Station road, Filton
9am to 11am
Bristol BS34 7JL
Poppy Club – isolated, Bristol Pop In, 60 Union Every Monday 1pm to 3pm
lonely: join us for arts, street, Bristol BS1 2DL
crafts, games, quizzes and
guest speakers
Bishopsworth RBL Club Manor Road BS13 8EP Last Thursday of month
12 to 2pm
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
Job Centre Plus - Stroud Unicorn House, Cornhill Last Monday of the month
shopping centre GL5 2JT
10am to 3pm
Job Centre Plus Cedar House Spa Rd. Wednesday 10am to 4pm
Gloucester Gloucester GL1 1XL
Cheltenham Parklands Community Fridays 10am to 12pm
Centre, Wymans Road,
Cheltenham GL52 5PR
Coleford Job Centre High Street Monday - fortnightly
Coleford, GL16 8FG 10am to 3pm
Cinderford Job Centre Foundry Street Tuesday - fortnightly
Cinderford GL14 2JU 10am to 3pm
HEREFORDSHIRE
Hereford Blue School House, Blue Every Thursday
School Street, Hereford,
10am to 2pm
HR1 2LX
WORCESTERSHIRE
Bromsgrove Parkside, Market Street, Every Thursday 9.30am to
Bromsgrove, Worcs. 1pm
B61 8DA
Oat Street, Every Tuesday
Evesham , Wallace House Evesham, Worcs 12pm to 3.30pm
community centre
WR11 4PJ
Kidderminster Swan Centre Last Thursday of month
9.30am to 1pmSAILOR TO GET MEDAL BACK
Joe Ousalice, aged 68, who served in The Royal Navy as a radio operator
in Northern Ireland, has had his Long Service & Good Conduct Medal
reinstated.
He was discharged in 1993, because of his be-sexuality, which at the time
was considered to be ‘prejudicial to good order & naval discipline’
The MOD has admitted its policy was ‘wrong, discriminatory and unjust’.
DUTCH CITIZENSHIPS AWARDED
At a service held in the Dutch town of BRUNSSUM, in Limburg
Province, the town has awarded honorary Citizenship to 328
British & Commonwealth Soldiers and Aircrew, interred in the
town’s War Grave Commission Cemetery.
The Town’s mayor, Gerd Leers, said , ‘ Through awarding this
distinction, the people of Brunssum stress that these 328 men are
not forgotten by us, and never will be’.
The casualties were so honoured to mark the 75th Anniversary of
the liberation of the town.The Breakfast Club held in Asda Café
At:
Abbeywood Retail Park, Filton BS34 7J
The Breakfast Club meets here every last Tuesday of the month.
Between 09:00 and 11:00
Further details 0333 011 4400
\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\BRISTOL POP IN
(60 Union St, BS1 2DL)
We will be OPEN Bank Holiday
Friday 8th May
Come in for Tea & Cake
Come along and share your dits (stories)
Pull up a sandbag and swing the lanternFOOD BANKS There has been a distinct rise in food parcels particularly to single men that make up a large percentage of our beneficiaries in urgent need and we often support families with children who have fallen on hard times. One initiative has been an RBL presence in the foodbanks on their opening days so that whilst the crisis need for food can be supported further signposting to the RBL and associated agencies can be made to support the other needs that often come with these situations including debt and homelessness. Our thanks go out to all the dedicated volunteers at the foodbanks in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Bristol for your support of our beneficiaries and others and keep up the amazing work.’ Some of the food banks in the area, (this is not a complete list) East Bristol - 07584 625082 - ebfoodbank@crisis-centre.org.uk Northwest Bristol - 0117 9235 343 - office@bristolnwfoodbank.org.uk North Bristol - 0117 979 1399 - info@northbristol.foodbank.org.uk Central and S. Bristol - 0117 966 8071 - info@thematthew-tree-project.org Bedminster - 0117 908 6015 - carol.refreshbs3@gmail.com Keynsham - 0117 983 7923 - keynshamfoodbank@gmail.com N. Cotswold - 07879 375562 - info@northcotswold.foodbank.org.uk The Forest - 0777 5265 263 - info@theforest.foodbank.org.uk Yate/Chipping Sodbury - 01454 326395 - info@yatechippingsodbury.foodbank.org.uk Gloucester—01452 309 683 –info@gloucester.foodbank.org.uk Stroud - 01453 367 077 - office@strouddistrictfoodbank.org.uk Tewkesbury - 01684 439 471 - info@tewkesbury.foodbank.org.uk Cirencester - 07506 174 373 - Rachel@cirencester.foodbank.org.uk Hereford - 01432 353347 Malvern - 07581 716933 - info@malvernhills.foodbank.org.uk Worcester - 01905 780 400 - info@worcester.foodbank.org.uk Kidderminster - 01562 746600 - kiddyfb188@gmail.com
Did you know that you can donate to us at
no extra cost every time you shop in Marks
and Spencer, no matter what you are buy-
ing? Simply sign up to the M&S Sparks
members’ club, choose The Royal British
Legion as your charity and the retailer will
donate 1p to us every time you make a pur-
chase online or in store. The scheme so far
has donated £518,000 to the Legion.
VIPs
Served in the Armed Forces
Have alcohol or drugs
become a problem?
Drop into our weekly
Is drinking affecting your Information Session
relationships?
(No appointment needed)
Thursday The Royal British Legion
11am-1pm 60 Union Street, Bristol
01179876000
VIPS@bdp.org.uk
Veterans Independence from Problematic SubstancesMAKE A DIFFERENCE
VOLUNTEER FOR THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
VOLUNTEERS
URGENTLY REQUIRED
Know anyone that might want to be a caseworker? Information volunteer?
To find out more please visit:
rbl.org.uk/volunteers
Telephone: 0333 011 4400
E-mail: SWMidlandsAdmin@britishlegion.org.ukYou can also read
