The Bitton & Oldland Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) held its annual summer thank-you event at the Golden Valley Café in Bitton. The evening brought together members, supporters, and local representatives to celebrate the branch’s achievements and ongoing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.
The branch was founded in 1927 so is two years short of its centenary. Its oldest member is aged 99.
Last year, the Bitton & Oldland Branch raised an impressive £36,000 for the Poppy Appeal, largely thanks to customers of Asda in Longwell Green, who visit and support the branch’s Poppy Stand.
Nationally, the Royal British Legion continues to make a significant impact. In 2023/24 alone, the charity awarded £11.8 million in grants and provided care for nearly 800 residents across its care homes.
Anne Lewin, manager of the RBL Dunkirk Memorial House in Somerset, gave a talk at the event and was presented with £1000 from the branch.
The branch’s Poppy Appeal organiser Dawn Harrill was presented with a 20-year membership certificate. Special awards went to six-year-old Flynn, who with his dad walked the 20-mile Dartmoor Three Bridges Challenge to help raise funds and Florence, aged eight, who regularly helps on the Poppy stand in Asda, Longwell Green.
Guests also heard from branch president Lt.Col KCR Gibson TD DL and branch chairman S.Ldr JF Dando RNR.
Representing Oldland Parish Council, Martin Farmer (Chair of the Council) attended the event and praised the RBL’s vital work both locally and nationally.
“It was a privilege to hear first-hand about the incredible support the Legion provides to veterans and their families,” he said. “The Golden Valley Café, nestled in the heart of the countryside, provided a perfect setting for a warm and uplifting evening.”
The parish council and the RBL share a longstanding partnership, including the annual launch of the Poppy Appeal at Payne Green, Barrs Court. This year’s launch is scheduled for Friday October 24 at 11am.
For more information about the Bitton & Oldland Branch or to get involved with the Poppy Appeal, please email: dawners@btinternet.com.
To join the branch, contact Cathryn Short on 07800 690339. Annual membership is £22.