Message from our New County President Cllr Ian Ward

BRANCH SECRETARIES - PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITEMS IN THIS NEWSLETTER SHOULD FORM PART OF YOUR REPORT February 2015 New County President for Isle of Wight Message from our New County President Cllr Ian Ward Dear colleagues and comrades I cannot express the honour I feel at being appointed as your County President for the next three years. Most of you will know that I served in the Army and had a career spanning 30 years, serving with my family in the UK, Germany, Northern Ireland, Cyprus and Canada. Yes, I would do it all again! During my tenure as President, I intend to pursue the Government to improve the Community Covenant. While it is well intended, I know it misses the mark as far as service veterans are concerned. I will try my best to visit our various Branches to meet as many members as I can. I feel that service personnel are special family with a bond that has no equal elsewhere in society. I am impressed and grateful for the work that Branches do in supporting our veterans and putting on events that commemorate our proud past. At the Isle of Wight County Conference held on 17 th January the County said farewell to Cllr Ian Stephens on the completion of his three year term of office as our County President. Cllr Stephens was presented with a County Certificate of Appreciation. The County were delighted to welcome Cllr Ian Ward as our new County President for the coming three years. My best wishes to you all. Ian Ward 1

Branch Grant Allocation Process The Legion in the Community Fund has been incorporated into a larger fund called Event Fund. Branches and Counties can request funding to organise activities/events designed to - inform the wider public of the Legion, help the public gain a greater understanding of the work that the Charity carries out, raise awareness of the importance of Remembrance, recruit new Legion members, raise funds, attract volunteers provide potential beneficiaries with contact information. The funding application process will be similar to the one last year - Branches will apply for funding for their local events using the event application forms which have to be sent to the local Membership Support Officer. The County Committees will review the applications and, if approved, will pass them on to Head Office where a Committee will decide on the amount of funding that can be allocated. The MSOs will then inform the branches on the allocated grants. Payment of grants will be processed by the MSOs upon the receipt of an expense claim form accompanied by all the relevant receipts and/or invoices. In case of lack of such purchase proofs, money cannot be reimbursed. A copy of the Event Application form, which is required if you would like to apply for an event grant, is enclosed with this newsletter. Please ensure you submit your applications for funding in good time as requests cannot be dealt with retrospectively. It is also very useful to the County if you could complete an event form even if you do not require a grant. This will help with the county calendar of events. The completed forms should be sent to Steph Harris Membership Support Officer IW County, The Royal British Legion, 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DT or e-mail sharris@britishlegion.org.uk Membership Services Key Dates Please be advised of the following dates regarding Branch membership administration. The 30 th January 2015 is the final return date for non-renewed/unissued membership cards. Cards returned after this date will be processed, but no credit given. Branches requiring a credit for late card returns must submit a case in writing to Membership Services through their MSO. In mid-february a notification will be sent to all branches confirming the amount to be collected by direct debit during the first week of March. The amount to be debited will be the balance on the account as at close of business on 30 January. Please ensure that there are sufficient funds in the appropriate branch bank account. Please be aware that if the Direct Debit fails, the branch must pay the outstanding fee by cheque. 2

The RBL Seaview & Nettlestone Branch made a surprise visit to celebrate the 100 th birthday of Stan King at the Northbank Hotel, Seaview on 17 th January, 2015. Stan is a Life Vice-President of the Branch. Andy Pound, IW County Chairman; Slim Whiteland, Branch President and Janet Foreman, Branch Chairman, together with the Standards of Seaview & Nettlestone Branch and Bembridge Branch and branch members, met Stan at the entrance of the Northbank Hotel. Stan was escorted by Andy and Janet into the lounge of the hotel and was greeted by other invited guests. The Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Martin White, CB CBE JP kindly attended with his wife Fiona. He wished Stan a very happy birthday on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen and presented him with a Royal Artillery tie slide and card with good wishes from Seaview and Nettlestone Branch of the Legion. Janet presented Mrs. King with a bouquet of flowers. Born in Finchley North London 18 th January 1915 Stan had a private education and was Captain of College, Captain of Cricket and Drum Major of the OTC Band. Stan left school at 17 in 1932 and went into the timber trade. He joined the Hertfordshire Yeomanry as a Territorial in 1938 at the time of The Munich Crisis and he went to France with the BEF in 1939. He returned from France in 1940 via St Nazaire where he narrowly missed being evacuated on the SS Lancastrian which was sunk on 17 th June causing the deaths of 4000 and more soldiers and civilians. Stan helped with the survivors who were bought ashore and left there on the 18 th June arriving in Liverpool a few days later. His wife had received a telegram reporting him missing. Stan was commissioned in 1941 and spent the rest of the war with his guns defending Britain throughout the Blitzes of Liverpool and London, where he was in charge of a gun site in Hyde Park. The site was visited by Winston Churchill and all the wartime dignitaries because Churchill s daughter Mary was one of Stan s staff. From there he was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and his Regiment, the Royal Artillery, was sent to Norfolk to defend against the Flying bombs. He was awarded an MBE in 1949. After the War Stan was seconded to Nigeria as a district Commissioner and ended as Provincial Commissioner of the Rivers Province. In 1956 HM Queen Elizabeth ll made a visit to Nigeria with Stan being her host for the week. Stan came back to England for good when Nigeria gained its Independence in 1960 Stan moved to Seaview from St. Albans in 1963. He was considered to be one of the best fishermen out of Seaview and was involved in everything that makes Seaview what it is today. He was secretary of the Regatta Committee, involved with the Residents Association and has been a long standing member of Seaview & Nettlestone RBL Branch. Keith Bradford, Vice-Chairman Seaview & Nettlestone Branch 3

2 nd Ryde Boys Brigade Parade Service On Sunday 11 th January the 2 nd Ryde Boys Brigade held their parade service at Ryde Methodist Church in Garfield Road Ryde. During the service some of the boys were awarded badges and trophies for their work in the community. The 2 nd Ryde Boys Brigade is affiliated to the Ryde Branch and standards from Ryde, Seaview & Nettlestone, Bembridge and Newport & Carisbrooke branches paraded in support of the Boys Brigade standards under the control of Mr Ken Whitter the Ryde Parade Marshal. The Ryde RBL Branch was also represented at the service by the chairman, Mr Ivor Millard and the secretary, Mr Terry Clarkson. Remembrance of the Fallen Ventnor War Memorial 28 th December 2014 Sunday 28 th December saw the final Remembrance of the Fallen ceremony for those who died during the fighting of 1914. On a very cold but sunny day the ceremony was conducted by Lay Preacher Gill Smith, who gave some local history on Private Edward Ridges 1 st Hampshire Regiment, the soldier being commemorated. Gill also gave out some chilling figures, a reminder of the horrors of the war, in which 8 Officers and 265 other ranks of the 1 st Hampshire s had been killed in the first 4 months of the war. The Ventnor Scout Troop was in attendance and one of their number placed the cross into the memorial trough. Councillor Anthony Marvin represented the Town Council and read the poem What s Funny by Lionel Thompson, a very fitting poem because it included one of the most iconic sayings of the First World War, I was told we would be home for Christmas. Army Veteran Bernard Cawley gave the Exhortation. The Ventnor RBL Standard Bearer Ernie Willis and Bugler Will Nixon carried out their duties in an exemplary manner. A relative of Edward Ridges had placed a small wreath in honour of their great uncle, but did not attend the ceremony. The Commemoration Committee would very much like that person to make contact or anyone else who may have family ties with Edward. 4

TRAINING COURSES The following training courses are being offered this year. If anyone is interested in attending any of the courses please complete the enclosed course application form and return to Stephanie Harris by the requested date. Also enclosed with this newsletter is a copy of the course profiles. The Branch Treasurers profile can be found on page 9 and the Independent Examiners profile is on page 21. Please be aware that you need to have attended the Branch Treasurers Course before you can apply for the Independent Examiners Course. COURSE DATE LOCATION APPLY BY Branch Treasurers Course 21/22 March 2015 Area Office, 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DT Apply by 20 February 2015 Independent Examiners Course 18/19 April 2015 Area Office, 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DT Apply by 20 March 2015 Conference Committee Course TBC (April, May, June or July requested) Area Office, 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton SO14 7DT TBC The County is also looking to arrange a Recruiting Officers course, which we were unable to fit into the programme last year. More details on this will follow in due course. Commonwealth Day Ceremony 9 th March, 2015 Ryde Town Council will be holding a Ceremony at the Flag Pole by Ryde Pavillion on Ryde Esplanade on 9 th March to mark Commonwealth Day and have issued an invitation to all ex-servicemen and their families to attend. Standard Bearers are also invited. A copy of the invitation is enclosed with this newsletter. If you would any more details of this event please contact Terry Clarkson Work mobile No. 07794906595 5

COUNTY CONFERENCE 2015 - REPORT The IW County of the Royal British Legion held their annual County Conference on Saturday 17 th January 2015 in the Methodist Church, Garfield Road, Ryde. Delegates from eight of the Island Branches and nine standard bearers were present in addition to our Area Manager, Jim France; Membership Support Officer, Stephanie Harris and Community Fund Raising Manager for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Clare Peppiatt. Conference opened with the entry of our Standard Bearers and Standards dipped during the opening of Conference prayers, led by the County Chaplain Rev Roger Whatley. Delegates and members were then welcomed to Ryde by Cllr Roi Milburn, Mayor of Ryde. During the afternoon the annual cups and certificates were presented by Cllr Ian Stephens The Lawrie Salisbury Memorial Cup for the greatest percentage increase in membership over the past year by a branch without a club EAST COWES BRANCH The Percy Kent Trophy for the greatest percentage increase in membership over the past year by a branch with a club VENTNOR BRANCH Danny McMeechen receiving the Percy Kent Trophy on behalf of Ventnor Branch Alan Williams receiving the Lawrie Salisbury Cup on behalf of East Cowes Branch The Bernard Nigh Memorial Cup presented to the branch member who has done the most for his branch in the past 12 months MR. REGINALD HUNT, BEM Brighstone & District Branch The M Gent Memorial Cup presented to the standard bearer who has done the most for his branch in the past 12 months MR DON BRIDGES, Ryde Branch The Draper Shield presented to the winner of the County Standard Bearer Competition MR ALAN WILLIAMS, East Cowes Branch Deputy Shield presented to the runner up of the County Standard Bearer Competition MR PETER ATKINSON, Brighstone & District Branch 3 rd Place Shield presented to the standard bearer in 3 rd place in the County Standard Bearer Competition MR JIM HOWKINS, Bembridge Branch Don Bridges receiving the M Gent Cup 6

County Certificates of Appreciation were presented to: Mr. E. Howard, Newport & Carisbrooke Branch Mr. D. Jones, Cowes Branch Mr. T. Clarkson, Ryde Branch Mr. Mark Earp, of Kitbridge Farm, spoke on the Isle of Wight s involvement during the first world war. His most interesting talk was accompanied by slides showing various areas of the Island during that time. Members were also interested to hear of the planned art installation for Coppins Bridge to mark the centenary period. Jim France, RBL Area Manager for Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, reported on the highlights of 2013/14 including the opening of the Pop-In Centre in September. He said It was particularly pleasing for me to have a resident of the Isle of Wight (and one of our beneficiaries), Mr Patrick Oliver, a WW2 RAF veteran, perform the opening ceremony in the company of the Sheriff of Southampton. The new Area Office gives the team a modern, progressive base in the City Centre and has already had over 1000 people through the doors. Their needs have been varied from membership enquiries to complex welfare cases or even just to give a donation. During 2013/14, the Dorset, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Area Team were assigned 1995 incidents from the Contact Centre, resolving 1909 of them, a solution rate of 95.69%. There are only 2 more successful Areas in the country (and one of those has a much lower number of incidents). Our War Pensions Advisers have attended 186 hearings across the Southern Region and met with a further 88 clients. We are supporting 29 bereaved family members through our Independent Inquest Advice service. Our Outreach service is assisting a total of 313 beneficiaries; Our welfare breaks service has seen over 5500 people being able to take family holidays and nearly 1500 individuals taking Adventure Breaks. Within our Area (Dorset, Hampshire & Isle of Wight) in the past year 902 grants have been made totalling 485,464. The average age of our beneficiaries being 56. Of the 902 grants 43 were on the Isle of Wight (4.7%) with a total of 33,691 being spent. The average age of beneficiaries on the IW was 64. During the business of conference delegates voted to accept new County Byelaws and agreed the County Plan for the coming three years. County Conference 2016 will be held in The Wilberforce Hall, Brighstone on Saturday, 6 th February 2016. Conference concluded with the ceremonial duties of the handover of the County Standard to the County Standard Bearer, Mr. Alan Williams (East Cowes Branch) and the installation of the new County Chairman (Mr Andy Pound) and County Vice-Chairman (Karen Gibson). Mr. Pound thanked Cllr Ian Stephens for his three years as our County President and presented him with a County Certificate of Appreciation. Cllr Stephens introduced Cllr Ian Ward (the new County President) to conference and handed over the President s Jewel. In his address to Conference Cllr Ward thanked the county for inviting him to become the President and spoke briefly of his military background and his commitment to the Military Covenant. Cllr Ward, together with Cllr Cowley, presented the County with a cheque for 800. This was raised from the very successful coach trip arranged by Cllr Cowley to view the installation of Poppies at the Tower of London. Mr Bert Draper (County Life Vice President) gave the vote of thanks. 7

A big thank you to Clare Whatley for coming along to take photographs at conference. It is hoped that we will be able to upload the photographs onto our County Website shortly. Conference Raffle raised 89 towards conference costs. Thank you to everyone who brought along a raffle prize. The County is very grateful to everyone who supported the conference this year. Next year our conference will be held at the Wilberforce Hall, Brighstone on Saturday 6 th February, 2016. The Bernard Nigh Memorial Cup Unfortunately Reg Hunt was not able to attend County Conference this year due to a commitment on the mainland. However, Karen Gibson, County Vice-Chairman, surprised him at Brighstone s Branch Meeting on Tuesday 21 st January to present him with the Bernard Nigh Memorial Cup. Poppy Newsletter Hampshire (South) and Isle of Wight The Isle of Wight County would like to extend our congratulations to Lt Col David Langford, a past County President, on being awarded the MBE in the New Year Honours List. Clare Peppiatt has forwarded me the latest copy of the Poppy Newsletter for Hampshire (South) and the Isle of Wight, which is enclosed with this newsletter. 8

VENTNOR WW1 COMMEMORATION EVENTS A committee, initiated by the Ventnor Branch of the Royal British Legion and in association with Ventnor Town Council, are planning commemoration events between 2014-2018 to commemorate the 100 th anniversary of World War 1 Events are planned to be held during 2015 at Ventnor War Memorial at 1pm on the following dates 26 th April 31 st May 28 th June 27 th September 29 th November On 16 th August there will be a major event in Ventnor Park to commemorate the Gallipoli Campaign. This will include a parade, church service, re-enactment by the IW Rifles and several stalls. Island and local dignitaries will be invited. For more information on any of the above dates please contact Danny McMeechan on danny.braveheart23@talktalk.net The Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association Back Badge Service 22 nd March, 2015 The Rifles and RGBW Regimental Association will be holding their annual Back Badge Service on Sunday 22 nd March, 2015 at Northwood Church. The service will commence at 11.15am. A cordial invitation is extended to all Legion Branches, Ex-service Associations and Standard Bearers to attend. For more information please contact Karen Gibson. Email gibsonkiw@outlook.com 9

DATES to remember:- 1 st February Newport & Carisbrooke Branch Standard Dedication Northwood Church 3pm. 20 th February Last date to submit application to attend Branch Treasurer Course 9 th March Commonwealth Day Event Ryde 9.30am 20 th March Last date to submit application to attend Independent Examiner Course 21 st /22 nd March Branch Treasurers Course 18 th /19 th April Independent Examiners Course 1 st May VE 70 Buffet & Dance Ryde Castle. More details next month. 9 th May VE70 County RBL event Puckpool Park 1pm more details next month ALL LEGION ENQUIRIES (including Welfare Requests) SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CONTACT CENTRE ON 0808 8028080 Membership Support Officer Mrs Stephanie Harris 104 Above Bar Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7DT E-mail: sharris@britishlegion.org.uk Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk Registered Charity number 219279 Newsletter Enclosures:- Training Course Profiles and Application Form Invitation to Commonwealth Day Event Application Form Hampshire (South) and Isle of Wight Poppy Newsletter Invitation to RGBW Back Badge Service IT S YOUR NEWSLETTER!!! If anyone has any articles they would like to be considered for publication in the monthly newsletter that would be of interest members please e -mail the newsletter editor at rbliwcounty@outlook.com Or send to: 2 Hope Mead, Langbridge, Newchurch, IW, PO36 0NP by the 20th of each month. We are looking for anything from jokes to poems, or hints and tips to remarkable personal achievements and Branch events. Or even adverts! Everything will be considered. 10