Tuesday 6th March 2019 marked a very important date for the Retford and District branch of The Royal British Legion as, alongside the Worksop branch, they were awarded the Freedom of the District by Bassetlaw District Council. In his acceptance speech, Tony Goodall said that he was honoured to accept the Freedom on behalf of the branch. He said that it reflected the hard work of all the committees and the members since the formation of the branch on October 14th 1921, and for all those who will carry on the work in the future.
The branch held their third annual quiz night on Friday 8th March at the Babworth Road Sports and Social Club. The event was very well attended and a total of £302 was raised. The committee would like to thank all those who contributed in any way to the event’s success.
At the time of writing the branch still have a few seats left for the trip to the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 18th May. For more information or to check availability, please call Judith Goodall on 01777 707152.
To mark the 75th anniversaries of both Monte Casino and D Day there will short acts of commemoration at the War Memorial in Retford Market Square, for Monte Casino on Saturday 11th May and for D Day Thursday 6th June. Everyone is welcome to attend. Both events will start at 10.50am.
Once again the generosity of the local people has overwhelmed the branch as the amount raised in the last Poppy Appeal has exceeded £60,000. This money is used for the welfare of anyone or their families who have served for at least seven days in any of the Armed Forces. If you want to learn more about the work of the Legion there is a comprehensive website, or if you prefer, see the local branch members on one of their stalls over the summer months.
They will be at Retford Charter Day on Monday 6th May or they meet at Babworth Road Sports and Social Club on the first Monday of the month (excluding August and January). The meetings start at 7.30pm. You do not need to have served in the Forces to become a member of The Royal British Legion, so if you would like to join and help make a difference to the lives of those who need our help please get in touch. You can contact Ann Hickman on 01777 818993 for more information.