Lest We Forget: Borough to remember the Gulf War A ceremony to commemorate the 25 th anniversary of the end of the Gulf War will be held in Rochdale to Mark the 25 th anniversary of the war. A remembrance service will be held on Friday 26 th February at 5.00pm at Rochdale Cenotaph. The service will mark the 25 th Anniversary of the war and Operation Granby, the name given to British military operations during the conflict. Almost 54,000 British troops were deployed on Operation Granby and faced danger and uncertainty in the deserts of Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Kuwait. Although the war was an overwhelming success, 47 servicemen sadly paid the ultimate sacrifice. Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces at Rochdale Borough Council, said: Over the last year or so a lot of attention has rightly been given to commemorate the First World War. Although the Gulf War was not as devastating, 47 British Servicemen lost their lives and each and everyone one of them deserves to be remembered. Those who did come home also need to be honoured for the hardship they endured, some gave a little some gave all. There will also be people in our borough affected by the conflict and I would hope they are able to take part in the service Greater Manchester The Gulf War has at times been referred to as the Forgotten War, The 100- Hour War and even the Dirty War. It lasted until 28 February 1991 and ended in the successful liberation of Kuwait from Iraq. Commemorations of the Gulf War will continue on Saturday 27 February when a festival will be held at Rochdale Town Hall. The evening will comprise of, The Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, The Fusilier Association Band, the Fusilier Association Corps of Drums and the Ambassadors Tribute Act. Tickets are available from Rochdale Town Hall, The Fusilier Museum or by telephoning 0161 763 8963. For information tel. 07930 908 068 WEBSITE Mr David Brown is our Web Master. (medalchart@live.co.uk) If any Branch has information, photographs or anything of interest please forward to County Office. The website address is http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/greater-manchester County Newsletter Winter Edition 2016
SOMME 100 Head Office are starting to plan PR for the Somme 100 th anniversary (30 June 18 November) and the Battle of Jutland (31 st May/1 st June). To mark these historic dates the Legion wants to tell the stories of some of the brave people who served so they d like to hear from people who had a family member who was at one of the battles in the hope of developing new case studies for our work with the media. Louise Garrahan, PR Officer for the North is hoping we can help her in finding them. Please can you let Louise know if there is anyone amongst the membership in your area that has a familial connection to either of these battles? IWeimagine that these would most likely be people whose Grandfather or Greatgrandfather fought in one of the battles. Alternatively, it could be a Grandmother or Great-grandmother who served as a nurse. If there is some other link that could make for an interesting story, she d also be interested to hear more. Perhaps one of our members has an old diary/letters from a relative who served in The Somme? The media will love memorabilia like that. Any information pass to Louise Garrahan at lgarrahan@britishlegion.org.uk ROCHDALE REMEMBERS 26 th February @1700hrs service at Rochdale Cenotaph to mark the 25 anniversary of the Gulf war. Friday 26th also coincides with the worst day of the war. The loss of 11 men. 9 in the Warrior incident and a further 2 in the action at Objective Lead. Nick Walmsley from Farnworth & Kearsley branch works for a company who are running 2 tours that will follow the journey of Manchester soldiers and battalions. The tours will cover the major sites but mainly be focused around the involvement of our communities. The tours are running 9th-12th July 2016 and 17th - 20th November 2016 and he would be happy to offer a discount for British Legion members. The July tour is very close to the start of the battle 100 years on but without being too close to be affected by road closure etc. The November tour will mark the end of the battle and will mean passengers are on the ground at the time of the British Legion ceremony. Please see on the following page information from Esprit about one of their tours. Please call 0151 556 9858 or email info@esprittourservices.com for more information or to express interest. 27 th February @1830 for 1900 start. Festival of Remembrance at Rochdale Town Hall. On the evening we will have the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums, The Fusilier Association Band, The Fusilier Association Corps of Drums and the Ambassadors Tribute Band.
Dear Sirs, Madams, Branch Standards to Thiepval on 1 July Following success in the ballot at the end of last year a number of Branch Standard Bearers have enquired whether they can attend the international event at Thiepval Memorial on 1 July bearing their Standards. While this keenness and pride is recognised and appreciated it is requested that Branch representatives do not take their Standards to the Memorial on 1 July. This is because the Legion will officially be represented in this capacity solely by the National Standard Bearers. However, as the Legion will be running daily (11:45am) services at the Memorial from 2 July onwards, this presents a welcome opportunity for those Bearers to parade with their Standards during the subsequent days. In light of this, it would be of great assistance to the Commemorative Events team if you could please continue to feed in how many Members you know will be attending Thiepval between 2 July and 18 November. More detail will follow about the nature of these events at the Memorial. Equally, if Members are unable to travel to France and are planning events on 1 July in the UK, please do let me know. With many thanks in anticipation. Edward Hodgskin, Commemorative Events Communications Officer
MEMBERSHIP NEWS Since July, when we launched the updated payment system, we have welcomed over 6,500 new members into the legion. Over 47,000 people responded when they were asked which of our new payment methods they would like to use. This means that we now have over 144,000 members paying their membership by Direct Debit. We have now sent renewal letters to all members due to renew in October 2015 and are currently processing payments. We have fully processed over 181,000 payments. This has meant that our contact centres have been busier than usual as we answer questions and help members set up the payment method that is right for them. We ve introduced new ways to collect payment for Royal British Legion memberships to ensure our members can pay in the way that best suits them. Options for payment now include: Credit or Debit card Bank transfer PayPal By cash via PayPoint Continuous payment authority (CPA) Direct debit Cheque We ve made these changes for a number of reasons: To comply with the latest legislation: Changing the way we collect member data means we are complying and meeting with the latest legislation to ensure data safety as well as adhering to the auditing requirements of the Charity Commission. To make it easier to get in touch: Sending information electronically is not only more efficient, it saves the Legion quite a lot of money. So by providing us with an email address, we can keep members up to date with all the latest Legion news. To open up our membership to a whole new audience: By introducing these new ways to pay, we re hoping to attract younger members an important part of our future. To open up our membership to a whole new audience: By introducing these new ways to pay, we re hoping to attract younger members an important part of our future. While change is important, we ve taken on board feedback from our members to make sure The Royal British Legion is still accessible for everyone. Members will still be able to pay by cash via PayPoint and annual branch gatherings are an essential part of branch life that is here to stay, ensuring our members can still meet up face-to-face. Members can go to www.britishlegion.org.uk/renewals to complete their annual membership payment, change their payment method or to update their personal details (e.g. change of address). Once payment has been processed and accepted, the new membership card will be sent by post. Current members still have until the end of March to renew their memberships. If you plan to pay buy cheque please allow at least 2 weeks in order for your cheque to be received and processed by the end of March.
Information about The Battle of The Somme commemorations. We still do not have any further information regarding the events planned in Manchester for the Somme 100th Anniversary but we wanted to re-iterate that at this stage, we are being asked to promote the save the date requirement to all Branches (and especially Standard Bearers) for 1 st July 2016. Information we can share with you at this stage is as follows: There will be 5 distinct elements of the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, running from 30 June to 18 November 2016: 30 June: Overnight televised vigils at Thiepval and Westminster Abbey 1 July: International event at Thiepval memorial 1 July: National event in Manchester, coinciding with parallel events in other regional centres 2 July to 17 November: Somme- 141, Legion-led midday services at Thiepval memorial 18 November: Legion-led event at Thiepval memorial to mark the closure of the Battle The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has directed that Manchester will host the national commemorative event for the Battle of the Somme on 1 July 2016, which the Legion is assisting in coordinating. The details for this are yet to be confirmed but more information will come out to you as soon as I am aware of it. There will also be other regional events (information gathering for which is ongoing). If you haven t already, please let Sarah Gale (MSO) know of any local events that you are aware of which will be taking place on or around 1st July. Ian s story why we re campaigning on Gulf War illnesses Ian Ewers-Larose, 48, lives in Ipswich, Suffolk. He served for several years as a medic in the RAF, serving a tour in the Falklands and on Operation Granby in the 1st Gulf War. He tells us how his health deteriorated after Service. I was serving in the RAF at a Jaguar Aircraft Base as a JNCO Medic. Two of the Squadrons were called into preparation for Operation Granby and as an appointed Squadron Detachment Medic I was put on standby. I was also trained in Special NBC Team (nuclear, biological and chemical) to deal with any medical incident involving those three weapon usage. About 6-9 months after serving in the first Gulf War I became unwell and this next information is only what I have been told as I cannot remember myself. I collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage. After several days in hospital and the loss of feeling in my legs, it was found that the myelin sheath (that coats your spinal column to protect your central nervous system in your spine) was destroyed. I was discharged back to the RAF and had to try to get on with my job without being able to walk properly. As I was constantly falling ill, I was advised to take redundancy in 1996, rather than being medically discharged. No-one has ever found out what happened, and to this day I "short circuit" and this causes mini TIA's (mini strokes). When I left the RAF I went to a resettlement course where a Royal British Legion person was there and advised I apply for a War Pension; which I did and was awarded this status. I was given 1,500 compensation and a letter for free prescription and war pensioner status. Because my condition had become so bad over the last few years, I had to give up work. I continue to live with neuropathy pains in legs and arms, excessive tiredness - chronic fatigue, forgetfulness and occasional loss of cognitively activity, global pain and heart arrhythmia. Are you a veteran of the first gulf War? If you served in the First Gulf War and you are concerned that your health has been affected as a direct result visit our page on Gulf War illnesses on our website for more information http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ campaign/gulf-war-illnesses
Pop-In Centre Somme Week Events - Volunteers needed During the days of the week commencing 27th June, in the run up to the 100th Anniversary of The Somme we are looking to invite some school groups into the Pop-In Centre to get involved in some activities around this anniversary. We are looking for volunteers to come in to talk to the children about the history of The Battle of The Somme and the origins of the Poppy and the creation of the Legion. We will also be organising some activities where the children can draw pictures and perhaps write poems or letters around the theme. We are also hoping to get some memorabilia to put in the Pop-In Centre for the children to look at. Do you, or does anyone from your branch, have experience of giving schools talks or have a particular knowledge/ interest in WW1? If so, would you be willing to give up some time and come into Manchester to get involved in one of these days? We at in the early stages of planning these days and their success mainly depends on the people we can bring in to speak to the children. If you are interested in getting involved, or have any ideas that would help shape the content of these days please don t hesitate to get in touch with any of our Pop-In Centre staff, or contact Jenni Martin, Advice & Information Team Leader 0333 011 4104 or email: jamartin@britishlegion.org.uk
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Request from Tina Pringle, CFR, Manchester: We are currently seeking Poppy Appeal Organiser s for the following areas, if you know of anyone who s up for a challenge then please pass let them know. The position involves a lot of time especially leading up to and during the Poppy Appeal, responsibility and some lifting. An ability to drive and the use of a computer would be an advantage. City Centre Manchester x4 Wythenshawe Heywood Cheetham Hill If you are interested please call Tina Pringle on 07920294794 Tyldesley Branch A couple of pics relating to the Remembrance Service at St. Mary's R.C. School on 6th November 2015 which is now an annual event for the branch. They have a service in the main hall followed by a Q&A session from the students. The final act of remembrance takes place outside at the schools own memorial. We have been made aware that those children collected over 1441.30 for the poppy appeal. What was amazing only 2.50 was in copper! Thank you to Tyldesley Branch for sharing this with us. Please do continue to let us know any good news stories like this form your branches. Caseworks and Advice & Information volunteers wanted If you are interested in being trained as a caseworker or becoming an advice & information volunteer to work in either our Pop-In Centre in Manchester City Centre or at one of our Outreach locations across Greater Manchester & Lancashire please contact Jenni Martin, Advice & Information Team Leader for more information and to put your name down for a course. Jenni can be contacted on 0333 011 4104 or email: jamartin@britishlegion.org.uk
Further Guide to Access Member Information Website On the bottom of the Membership renewal letter which delivered your card there is a link to the Member Information Website http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/members/member-information/ This link gives personal access via links to the following information. Membership Self Service. This link will require you to set up a personal account which is password protected for your data security. To set this up you will need; 1. Your Membership Number 2. Date of Birth 3. Email address 4. Your own password Once set up you will be able to: 1. View your data held on the welcome tab (opening screen) 2. Change your Personal Details on the Personal Details Tab 3. Transfer Branch on the Transfer Branch tab 4. Select your Payment Preference on the Payment Preference tab 5. Log Out on the Log out tab. Legion Magazine: This link gives electronic access to not only the current Magazine but also back copies from June 2012. Membership Documents: This page is accessed by using a user login and password common for all members: 1. Login memhandbook 2. Password TRBLmem 86 On successfully logging in this will give access to: 1. Membership Hand Book: parts 1-4 with an Amendment Control sheet 2.Ceremonial Handbook 3. Branch Accounts: current year documentation 4. Elections: Current Year National Election Documents 5. Policies and Procedures: i. Legion Complaints Procedure Ii. Code of practice for Branches occupying former retail premises Iii. Data Protection Policy Iv. Royal British Legion Band Policy V. Membership Training Policy Vi. Branch Health and Safety Assessment and guidance 6. Membership Newsletters and Circulars: i. Latest Circulars including Ii. Festival of Remembrance 2015 Iii. Branch Welfare Project 7. Annual Conference: This page includes all you need to know about the Annual Conference from the Special Circular onwards. 8. Royal Charter: This page includes a link to the current Royal Charter. 9. Briefings: This page current includes the corporate message for 2014 but will include the latest ones once delivered at County/District conferences 10. Forms: This page includes all the Branch forms necessary for the efficient running of a Branch Membership form - no longer available online, please use the online joining option/ contact the Poppy Appeal (Aylesford) for printed forms Direct debit form - as above Membership transfer form Form MS1 - Branch Information Form MS1A - County/District Information Form MS5A - Branch Closure Form MS5B - Sub-Branch return to full status Form MS5C - Branch Amalgamation Form MS5D - Branch Name Change Form MS9 - Branch Formation Branch Nomination for County/District Chairman Branch Nomination for County/District Vice-Chairman Example Ballot Paper for the election of County/District Chairman Example Ballot Paper for the election of County/District Vice-Chairman 11. Member Offers: This page includes links to: Remembrance Travel Discounts/ Johnson Cleaners/ Discount Schemes/ Festival of Remembrance Membership Complaints: This page contains detailed instructions How to
This message is sent on behalf of Chris Simpkins, Director General Dear Members, RIGHT ON THE MONEY IS BACK FOR A NEW SERIES ARE YOU AN EX SERVICE PERSON STRUGGLING ADJUST TO CIVI LIFE? OUR FINANCIAL EXPERTS WOULD LIKE TO OFFER ADVICE AND ASSIST YOU IN FINDING THE BEST FINANCIAL DEALS FOR 2016 AND GETTING A HEALTHIER BANK Denise Lewis and Dominic Littlewood are back looking for people to take part in this unmissable series that aims to find simple ways to save you money. Do you find you re always short of cash but unsure where all your money goes? Perhaps you re trying to free up money for a holiday, a new car, or to plan for retirement. Or maybe you d just benefit from having an expert give your finances an overhaul. Whatever the reason, we d like to help find solutions, get you the best deals and free up more of the cash you need. I wanted to let you know that I have decided that it is time for me to move on from The Legion. It is never an easy decision to take and to get the timing exactly right to step down. But after almost 9 years as Director General and, as we come to the end of our current 5 year plan, Pathway for Growth, it feels that it would be a great opportunity for a new Director General to take the reins. Especially, whilst they will still have a chance to shape the thinking and implementation of the next strategy. It will take a while for the recruitment process to be concluded, and so I intend to be in post up to that point to ensure a smooth transition is made. There will be plenty of time to say our farewells later on but until then I have every intention of continuing business as usual. As always, we will be sure to keep you updated with news of my successor later in the year as progress is made. Best Chris Simpkins To find out more, please email: rightonthemoney@bbc.co.uk http://www.bbc.co.uk/rightonthemoney
County Committee member Mary Cahill will be taking part in the RBL Great North Event on the 20th March. She has requested that all Branches are asked to sponsor this event and whatever monies raised by a Branch are used by the Branch for local Veterans. For example, the Ashton-U-Lyne Branch are using this to raise money to support the Christmas Hamper for Veterans appeal in their area. For a full size copy of the form please contact your MSO Sarah Gale.