First of all, very best wishes to everyone for 2019. 2018 proved to be a memorable year for the Royal British Legion and especially for the members of the local branch. Two of its members took part in the GP90 event which saw them march to the Menin Gate in Ypres along with members from all over the country in remembrance of those who fell in WWI and also to mirror the march that took place in 1928.
Further commemorations took place in Retford to mark the 100 years since the signing of the Armistice, including the dedication of a bench in the Market Square and the unveiling of the wall hanging in Bassetlaw Museum. Many local villages organised their own events to commemorate the event, giving the whole area a focus and a deep sense of the sacrifice made by that generation. The branch then experienced probably the largest attendance at the remembrance service on 11th November. On the same day two of its members were in London and took part in the nation’s Thank You procession at the Cenotaph.
However, the act of remembrance continues and this year marks 100 years since the signing of the Treaty of Versailles which became known as Peace Day and the 75th anniversary of two major WWII events — D-Day and Arnhem. Details of any events to mark these anniversaries will be published nearer the time.
The branch has already organised a quiz which will be held at the Babworth Road Sports and Social Club, on 8th March. To enter a team, please contact Judith Goodall on 01777 707152. This has proved to be a popular event and they hope that you will support it once again. A trip to the National Memorial Arboretum is to take place in May and although it is open to members initially there are likely to be places available, so again to secure your place contact Judith. The date for this trip is 18th May 2019.
Finally, the branch would like to thank the enormous band of volunteers who helped during the Poppy Appeal — manning the stalls in the supermarkets, handing out collecting tins, the Scouts and the Cadets for their part in the preparation, all the retail outlets and schools that held collections on their behalf, Charity on Wheels, Retford Rotary, The Lions and the Lena Snowden Singers, who all played their part. Apologies to any group or organisation that have been omitted. Although the final total is not yet in, they have collected a staggering figure of well over £55,000. An amazing total for our area. Thank you to all concerned.