KENT COUNTY NEWS TRBL South East Area Office (Kent) Royal British Legion Village Aylesford, Kent ME20 7NL Registered Charity 219279 Membership Support Officer Mobile - 07554 553263 e-mail - twest@britishlegion.org.uk Welfare & Fundraising via Contact Centre - 0808 802 8080 County website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/kent January 2016 BRANCH SECRETARIES: PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ITEMS IN THIS MONTHLY CIRCULAR SHOULD FORM PART OF THE REPORT TO YOUR BRANCH COMMITTEE COUNTY CHAIRMAN`S REMARKS Borstal Branch closure, Hamstreet full status I wish you all a Happy New Year and hope you have all that you wish for during the year. 2016 will again be a busy year in our Branches and in National Events. This year two important events from WWI will be commemorated the first of these being The Battle of Jutland, the major battle of the Royal Navy. Some say it was the Royal Navy s Somme. It will be commemorated on 31st May and 1st June. It is difficult to say how many Kent sailors were involved, but many of the ships that were involved at some stage were connected with the two main Kent Dockyards of Chatham and Sheerness. Then on 1st July, The Battle of the Somme will be commemorated. Whilst the National Somme Commemorations will be based in Manchester, due to the fact that many of the troops that took part were Pals Battalions, we have to remember that a great number of Men of Kent and Kentish Men from The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) 1 st, 6 th, 7 th and 8 th Battalions and the Queens Own Royal West Kent Regiment 1 st, 6 th, 7 th, 8 th, 10 th and 11 th Battalions took part and made the ultimate sacrifice. I include also the many numerous men who served in other arms and regiments all who took part during 1 st July to November of 1916. If your branch will be taking part in any local events to honour these brave men please let us know at County HQ where we shall be pleased, if required, to give you any assistance. We would also like to know so we can record the event in the Legion s National Events Diary and the Kent Diary of Events. I look forward to seeing many of you at the County Conference on 16th January where our Guest Speaker is the National President. During Conference I shall be outlining the future plans of the County Committee and how in 2016 onwards they will become more effective in communicating and giving help to you, our branches. Richard Cast County Chairman DONATIONS TO COUNTY FUNDS The following donations have been gratefully received: 80 Fordcombe Branch
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS The renewal year will be extended until 31 March 2016 acknowledging the difficulties some members have faced with the revised renewal process. The current governing rules permit membership for a 3 month period beyond the usual renewal point; however, circumstances this year are such that in order to facilitate the maximum number of renewals membership services will not lapse members until after 31 March 2016. Branches, in exceptional circumstances, may make a payment for multiple members. There is a process and details are enclosed and a form to complete and if you have a lot of members who have either paid the Branch or do not have other means of paying please contact the MSO to obtain the form. Obviously this is not the preferred method but is available for this year only to help members who are having difficulty with the change of process. BRANCH MS1 RETURNS Out of the branches required to submit their MS1 Branch Information Form by 31st December, as at today s date (7th January) I m pleased to say that all but 8 have done so. Thank you to all those Secretaries that have worked hard to get this important return in on time. If any Secretary needs a new form then please contact the MSO without delay. The 8 branches outstanding are: Frittenden Headcorn Knockholt Pluckley & Little Chart Ramsgate Sidcup & Footscray South Darenth & District St Margarets at Cliffe Under GR37 of the Royal Charter branches must have a Welfare Committee or, if they are unable to form one, they may have a Welfare Representative as an alternative. Many MS1s submitted show neither. Where this is the case I have had to name the Secretary as the Welfare Rep being the point of contact for all matters where there is no named appointee. Welfare is the number one concern of the Legion at all levels so there must be representation at branch level. MEMBERSHIP HANDBOOK A dedicated external web area has been produced to host a digital copy of the handbook, password protected to ensure Branches can reach this information securely. The digital format will ensure that all Branches have access to an up-to-date version at all times. On the 17th December the Membership Council approved a number of changes to the Membership Handbook. An updated version of the handbook has now been uploaded to the Membership Documents Area and a list of tracked changes is available separately. Visit the external web area at www.britishlegion.org.uk/membershiphandbook Username: memhandbook Password: TRBLmem 86 Available on the same page is the Royal Charter, the Ceremonial Handbook, Complaints Procedure and other useful information for branches. WELFARE REFERRALS This is a reminder that all those requesting welfare assistance need to be referred to the Legion s Contact Centre on 0808 802 8080 (calls are free from UK landlines and main mobile networks) or via e-mail at info@britishlegion.org.uk. Area and County Offices can no longer accept direct referrals and cannot respond to requests unless and until the Contact Centre has been informed first. Cases are passed to the Area Office who assign the appropriate Case Officer or Caseworker. Contact is made with the caller within two working days or earlier if the call is deemed a crisis. Referrals can be made by the individual or by another on their behalf such as Branch members and Welfare Representatives.
WELFARE GRANTS EXPENDITURE The statistics show the percentage expenditure of all RBL monies committed as welfare grants in the counties of the South East Area for the financial year 2014-15. By looking at percentages rather than s we have been able to identify areas of interest, anomalies and concerns that will shape our welfare services in the on-coming year across the area. A comparison of the counties clearly demonstrates the different needs and concerns of beneficiaries in the area. South East Area Welfare Percentage Expenditure (Per County) Comparison: 2013/14-2014/15 Kent % Surrey % Sussex % Welfare Welfare Welfare Expenditure Expenditure Expenditure 2013/14 2014/15 2013/14 2014/15 2013/14 2014/15 Total SE % 41.20% 45.70% 12.50% 8.10% 46.30% 46.20% Av Age 55 62 70 58 60 63 Royal Navy 7.50% 10% 6.40% 12% 14.30% 13% Army 90.30% 83% 75.10% 63% 70.40% 71% Royal Air Force 1.80% 4% 16.50% 23% 15.30% 14% Unspecified 0.30% 3% 2.00% 2% 0% 2% Grant Category Crisis 2.80% 2.50% 3.50% 2.10% 3.20% 1.00% Debt & Bankruptcy 11.10% 8.30% 1.00% 22.00% 12.90% 2.70% Funerals 0.70% 8.70% 2.80% 14.00% 3.10% 7.90% Housing 37.10% 23.40% 14.50% 19.10% 24.60% 24.40% Household Grants 10.90% 9.80% 18.70% 6.50% 8.00% 11.00% Mobility 29.30% 36.30% 55.60% 30.50% 41.10% 36.90% Other 8.10% 11.00% 3.90% 5.80% 7.10% 16.10% TALKS - THE VICTORIA CROSS Pembury resident and author Richard Snow has offered to give talks to branches in West Kent. As can be seen from the following Press Release, written 2 years ago, he has written a book entitled Ten Brave Men and True, which tells the life stories of the ten Victoria Cross Holders associated with the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. Mr Snow also gives talks, which can be tailored to any length from 45 mins to 1 hr about the Victoria Cross and the stories of some of the men. He usually covers a bit about the medal itself, he talks about the Victoria Cross Grove in Tunbridge Wells and how the project started and then briefly covers some of the lives of those he has written about. Copies of his book will be available at a reduced price if anyone wishes to buy one. Although he has already spoken to Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells Branches, the talk will be of interest to a wider audience, as the stories are not in any way confined to the local area, and cover the Crimean War to WW2. Mr Snow does not need equipment apart from a large trestle-table sized table, and does not make a set charge. He leaves that to the organisers of the event. If anyone would like further details they can contact him on 01892 825428 or email him at richardssnow@tiscali.co.uk.
WEST KINGSDOWN BRANCH L-R: Martin Stoneham, West Kingsdown Branch Standard Bearer; Jason Seal, great-great nephew from Crowborough; Keith Seal, great nephew also from Crowborough (Jason s father); Adrian Seal, great nephew from Somerset. Members of the Branch, three relatives with their wives and a number of parishioners gathered at the village War Memorial on Christmas Day to remember Gunner Robert Seal who died on Christmas Day 1915 at No. 1 Casualty Clearing Station at Chocques near Bethune. His death arose from wounds received from counter-battery fire whilst serving with 115 Battery, 25 Brigade RFA near Vermelles. He was a pre-ww1 regular soldier who went to France with the BEF in 1914. A wreath was laid by his great-great nephew, Jason Seal a member of Crowborough RBL Branch with his father and uncle. These members of the family are all descended from Robert s brother Albert who served in The Buffs (Royal East Kent) Regiment during and after WW1. After the wreath laying there was a one minute silence, the start and end of which was marked by a blast on an original World War 1 Officers whistle. This is the third of a series of twelve events to commemorate the soldiers from West Kingsdown who lost their lives in WW1. FUNDRAISER - THE GLENN MILLER STORY Just a reminder that The Astor Big Band will be appearing at Folkestone s Leas Cliff Hall on Saturday 23rd January 2016 with The Glenn Miller Story. This charts Miller s true life story from his early days and the discovery of his distinct sound. At least 20 of hits will be performed during the evening. 100% of the profits plus a bucket collection will be donated to the Poppy Appeal. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atgtickets.com/folkestone or from the Box Office on 0844 871 3015. TALK - THE BATTLE OF THE SOMME The Friends of Canterbury Festival are pleased to announce a forthcoming event which may be of interest to your members and others. On 4th February 2016 Dr Martin Watts (Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Research in Kent History and Archaeology, Canterbury Christ Church University) will be giving a talk entitled Somme 1916 Innocence Lost at St Peter s Methodist Church, St Peter s Street, Canterbury CT1 2BE. Dr Watts will address the implications of the Battle of the Somme on the conduct of the First World War and on British society as a whole, making reference to two Kentish Regiments: the Buffs and the Queen s Own Royal Kent Regiment. The talk will be preceded by tea and cake in the Church Hall at 3.30pm and will then commence at 4.30pm lasting for 1 hour. Tickets are 12.50 each available from the Canterbury Festival Office on 01227 452853 or email tina@canterburyfestival.co.uk. THEY SHALL GROW NOT OLD EXHIBITION - CHARTWELL We have been working with the Volunteer and Community Development Manager at Chartwell this year to commemorate VJ Day and to provide support for their Winter Exhibition. It has been a joint effort with other local groups and we are very pleased to announce that final preparations are
underway to put the finishing touches to an extraordinary experience that recreates the sights and sounds of the era. From Recruitment to Demob and all in between the exhibition draws you through the soldier s experience. Exhibits include real letters from soldiers to their families back home, trenches, uniforms and artwork. Visit Chartwell from 18th January to 26th February 2016 for an exhibition above the café that brings to life the changing thoughts and feelings of soldiers that went to serve in the trenches during the First World War. This commemorative exhibition bringing to life the thoughts, feelings and memories of the First World War by communities past and present through their art, music and letters. Through a variety of art, music and visual displays the exhibition recollects the experiences felt by those at the time beginning with a 'jolly holiday' of a war that was meant to be over by Christmas to something far bleaker when the reality of life in trenches sets in. The exhibition goes on to evoke the relief of peace, the respect and gratitude of those lost and encapsualtes a growing hope for a better future. The works by local artist N Yates-Bell and by local schools and community partnerships pull together not only memories of a community affected by war but also brings together local talent and experience spanning generations. They shall grow not old commemorates those that served by reimaging their art and works in new ways by the community as well as sharing contemporary feelings of the war to end all wars. PRESS RELEASE - TEN BRAVE MEN AND TRUE A new book has been published which tells the life-stories of the ten Victoria Cross Holders of the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. The book Ten Brave Men and True has been written by Richard Snow, with a Foreword by his nephew and TV Historian Dan Snow. The stories, each one introduced by a member of the respective VC s family, tell the full life stories of these ten brave men, three of whom were killed in action. They include Charles Lucas, the very first VC in the Crimea; the first Trinity College, Dublin VC (William Temple); the last one gazetted before WW1 (John Duncan Grant); the first Territorial holding a non-commissioned rank to be awarded a VC during WW1 (Douglas Belcher); the second man in Holy Orders to win the VC during WW1 (William Addison); an Arnhem VC (Lionel Queripel) and one of the few VC s to have a pub named after him (John Brunt). The book includes full details of any memorials to the heroes and the location of their medals where known. Using many first-hand accounts and memories of those who knew them, the book follows their careers. The 343 page book has taken five years to research and includes over 200 photos, many of which have never been published before. Ten Brave Men and True tells of men who had a common thread - all were VC winners associated with Tunbridge Wells Borough, but their careers covered the world. They cover from Scotland to Canada, to Liverpool and Surrey, but their exploits will enthral all who have an interest and admiration for utmost bravery. Their lives are well documented in this book of highly charged stories which are in turn astounding, poignant, shocking, funny and sad. The book is available priced 20.20 (incl. P&P) from Richard Snow, 1 Cornford Park, Pembury, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 4PW (cheques made payable to Richard Snow ). Regards to you all Tony West Membership Support Officer Email: twest@britishlegion.org.uk
LEST WE FORGET Notification has been received that the following members have passed on: Mr Bryan Wilson Goudhurst Our deepest sympathies go to their families and friends
KENT COUNTY DIARY OF EVENTS - 2016 JANUARY Sat 16th County Conference - Headcorn Village Hall (1 pm) Sat 23rd The Glenn Miller Story - Leas Cliff, Folkestone (for Poppy Appeal) FEBRUARY Sun 21st (?) South East Regional Standard Bearer Competition - Cobham, Surrey MARCH Sun 27th - 28th Medway Steam & Transport Rally - Chatham Historic Dockyard * Sat? Branch Officers Workshop - location tbc Wed? WS Annual Conference - APRIL MAY Sat? WS Rally - Seasalter Sun 8th Poppy Walk - Whitstable Castle (10 am) Sat 21st - 22nd Annual Conference - Eastbourne JUNE Sat 11th - 12th Folkestone & Ashford Military Show - Sellindge Show Ground Sat? Hellfire Corner Weekend - Pencester Gardens, Dover * Sat 25th Armed Forces Day * JULY Sun 3rd County Parade - location tbc (3 pm) Sat? Thanet at War - Ramsgate Wed 19th - 23rd War & Peace Revival - Folkestone Racecourse, Westenhanger * AUGUST Sat 13th - 14th Headcorn Combined Ops Military Vehicle & Air Show * Sat 27th - 29th Military Odyssey - County Showground, Detling * SEPTEMBER Sat 17th - 18th Salute to the 40s - Chatham Historic Dockyard * OCTOBER Sun 16th (tbc) County Standard Bearer Competition - Ditton Fri 21st Thanet Festival of Remembrance - Winter Gardens, Margate (7 pm) Wed 26th Poppy Launch - County Hall, Maidstone Sat 29th County Poppy Lunch - Brompton Barracks
NOVEMBER Fri 11th Armistice Day Sat 12th Festival of Remembrance - Royal Albert Hall Sat 13th Remembrance Sunday DECEMBER Sat 10th Carol Service - Capel Morris Centre (3 pm) JANUARY 2017 Sat 21st County Conference - Headcorn Village Hall (1 pm) * County Recruiting Stall Updated: 3rd December 2015 ARMED FORCES DAY EVENTS JUNE Sat 25th The Great Lines, Gillingham Broadstairs DFDTC Manston Ramsgate