LegionLive

Now that we can start looking towards the New Year and what it might hold, I wanted to draw attention to the goodwill of Pete Hawtin and Merv Ashe, two RAF officers who are taking part in a 68 mile sponsored march in early 2010. The two have over 50 years combined experience in the Service, and being no strangers to the effects of conflict on Service men and their families, wanted to do something to raise money to support the injured and the bereaved. As a result, all money raised will go to The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

The march, which is to celebrate the 68^th Anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force Regiment, begins at Holkham on the North Norfolk Coast and ends at Pete and Merv’s home base in Suffolk. The pair will walk the route dressed and equipped as a World War II era Gunner and his modern counterpart from operations in Afghanistan. To make things a little tougher, the pair will also camp out over two nights - whatever the weather - utilising only what they can carry in their respective period ‘battle kit’.

Of the task ahead, which kicks off in February, Merv has said that it’s both an honour and a privilege to support the charities…..though he’s not looking forward to wearing a desert uniform in the middle of a Norfolk winter!

If you’d like to help Pete and Merv support the Legion and Help for Heroes, head to their Just Giving page.

You might remember me blogging about a fantastic initiative to encourage school children to write to Service personnel and veterans back in November. The Royal British Legion arranged for thousands of postcards to be sent, with each bearing a personal message of support from children aged between 4 and 11 years old.

The project has now come to an end, and I can reveal that more than 10,000 postcards were distributed!  George Taylor (above,  surrounded by the collected messages) was the Legion’s face of the project, helping them get in touch with schools so that pupils all over the country could have the opportunity of offering messages of thanks and Remembrance that mean so much to those that receive them. Well done, George!

This is Hannah Ord, a student who’s paying tribute to lives lost in conflict in a very eye-catching way….

The Bridges shopping centre in Wearside had challenged local college and university students to create a fashion piece using poppies as either a material or a muse.

The 18-year-old’s striking design came out top among scores of students in the bid to visually commemorate the sacrifices of members of the Armed Forces and civilians in times of conflict.

Hannah’s entry was inspired by the old-fashioned military jackets which were worn during parades and have since become an iconic fashion statement. Understandably pleased with her win, Hannah said: “I have always had an interest in fashion design and thought this would be a good opportunity to try out the designing and making process for real.”

All entries were exhibited within the centre to pay tribute to the heroes of war.

I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish all LegionLive members a very happy Christmas - thank you for your support and here’s to a fantastic 2010!

I’d also like to raise a glass to those men and women currently serving in extremely difficult conditions, who are having to spend this time away from their friends and family and might be in need of some festive cheer. The Royal British Legion and I are thinking of you at this difficult time.

Bowls may not be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of popular pastimes for the young, but the Formby Royal British Legion is keen to change that.

The Legion has launched a new junior bowling team called the West Lancs and Sefton Junior Bowls Forum, and is now looking to play competitively against other teams.

Derek Barnes, who is a member of the Formby RBL and its bowls coach, has said that he wants more teams to be created in the area, to “take the initiative,” and “bring young ones in.”

The junior league kicks off in 2010 and team members are aged seven to sixteen. They’ll be playing at the RBL in Whitehouse Lane. Coaching on the Legion Green starts early April until September on every Saturday from 10am until midday.

If you – or someone you know! – are interested in taking part, just give Derek a call on: 01704 876 939.

Here’s great news for Alderson House  - The Royal British Legion’s Chesterfield Branch has given them a £10,000 donation. The cheque was accepted by Chesterfield’s Tevor Topley, Yvonne Robinson and Don Stevenson (all above). The cash boost means that their bar can be refurbished.

You know what would make a very nice stocking filler this year? “We Will Remember Them”, a tribute track recorded by over 200 artists and musicians who wanted to say a special thank you to military personnel who have served – or are serving - our country.

You might remember me first blogging about the song last month, but whereas it was then only available as a download, you can now buy the CD edition, which has two bonus tracks – “Your Love Lives On” and “You Hurt as Much as Love Someone.” It also includes a video of the recording session, filmed at the iconic Abbey Road Studios. This was the biggest ever 1-day session to be held there; in addition to the musicians and artists involved in the recording, a 30-man film crew with 9 cameras also donated their time to help produce it.

And in case you’re wondering, Hayley Westenra, Robin Gibb, Liz McClarnon, Lee Mead and Michael Bolton are just some of the artists lending their voices to the track, and there’s some great support from The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Pipes & Drums from the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Drumming, Bugles from The Academy of Music at Kneller Hall, a Choir of Celebrities and the Carmel Thomas Youth Choir. Phew!

All proceeds of the CD go wards the Legion and the Help For Heroes charity. The money will help support those who have lost family and those who have suffered injuries in their Military service.

You can get yourself a copy from HMV, Play.Com and Amazon and find out more from the official website.

Yesterday the Defence Secretary, Bob Ainsworth MP, unveiled a new initiative that’s going to offer real help and support to those families who have lost a loved one in the Armed Forces.  From next year The Royal British Legion is going to be offering a free Independent Legal Advice Service to bereaved Service families, which means that legal advisers will be available to give vital information and guidance - particularly around the inquest process.  The MOD is partially funding this, and the Service is initially going to be available for a two-year trial period. This is to ensure that it is successfully meeting the needs of families, and is giving them the best possible help.

It’s fantastic to have the backing of the Ministry of Defence on such an important and worthy cause, and their support reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting service personnel and their families as set out in the Service Personnel Command Paper.

You can never replace a loved one, but it’s nice to know that the Legion has measures in place to offer as much comfort as it can during a difficult time.

Fantastic news today! The Royal British Legion have celebrated three World War Two veterans for their dedication to the Poppy Appeal.

For over 30 years Derek Thornton, Norman Spence and John Jessop (above) have been collecting money for their Legion branch in Fulford. They were presented with the long service Poppy Appeal medals at a special celebration at the Fulford Gate Working Men’s Club.

Once again The Royal British Legion are helping people get into the festive spirit with the Christmas at Guildhall event on Wednesday 16th December.

Kicking off at 7pm, the concert’s programme includes traditional carols, seasonal music and words of celebration by guest speakers that include Nerys Hughes and Hannah Gordon.It’s all hosted by Alistair Stewart with the Bach Choir, who are conducted by David Hill.

This concert has proven tremendously successful in recent years, so do make sure you grab yourself a ticket in time! They’re £30 for the concert and £150 if you’d like a black tie dinner to follow. Both prices include pre-concert drinks from 6pm.

Just contact Rebecca Pride on 020 3207 2272 for more details or send her an email at: rpride@britishlegion.org.uk