Fleet Royal British Legion branch continues its century-long mission to support veterans

From raising a record £104,000 for the Poppy Appeal to organising local Remembrance services and social events, Fleet, Crookham & District Royal British Legion Branch continues to support the Armed Forces community and bring people together.

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families. It leads the nation’s Remembrance commemorations and is best known for its annual Poppy Appeal.

The organisation was formed in May 1921 to bring together ex-servicemen following the First World War, honour the fallen and support those wounded during the conflict. By that year, the Two-Minute Silence had been established in memory of those who died, while the first Poppy Appeal took place, with the first Poppy Day held on 11 November 1921.

The Legion’s work extends beyond those who served in the two World Wars, supporting members of the Armed Forces community affected by conflicts since 1945, as well as those still serving today.

More than 100 years after its foundation, the Royal British Legion continues to provide vital care and welfare support to veterans and their families. Its services include six care homes and a partnership with Dementia UK to provide Admiral Nurses, who support carers of beneficiaries living with dementia.

In 2011, the Legion established the Battle Back Centre to support wounded and injured service personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. It also sponsors Team UK, made up of injured veterans and serving personnel, at the Invictus Games, which are due to be held in Birmingham in 2027.

The Fleet, Crookham & District Branch was formed in June 1921, making it one of the first branches in Hampshire. Today, it is a growing and sociable branch that welcomes members and supporters from Fleet, Church Crookham, Crookham Village, Crondall, Dogmersfield and Ewshot.

Every year, the branch organises the Poppy Appeal across its local area. Last year, it raised a record-breaking sum of more than £104,000. It also organises the Remembrance Sunday ceremonies in Fleet and Church Crookham.

However, the branch’s activities go well beyond fundraising and remembrance. Members regularly meet for social and fundraising events, including a monthly Veterans’ Breakfast on the second Saturday of each month at The Prince Arthur in Fleet and a Seniors’ Lunch on the third Thursday of each month at The Fox & Hounds in Church Crookham.

You do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a Royal British Legion member, and you do not need to be a member to attend the branch’s events.

Anyone interested in finding out more or joining the branch is invited to get in touch with Tim Burt at tim@timburt.co.uk.

For more information, visit branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/fleet-crookham-and-district or facebook.com/TRBLFleetandCrookhambranch.

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