Beckford & Ashton-under-Hill Branch

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Currently, nearly 10.5 million people are eligible for our support and we receive thousands of calls for help every year.

Who we are

The Legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-Service community and over 450,000 members continue to ensure that this voice does not go unheard. Although the needs of ex-Service people have changed over the years, we are still there to safeguard their welfare, interests and memory. British service people are in action around the world every day of the year. They know that if they need our support - now or in the future - the Legion is always on active duty for them.

Legion Values

• Reflection - Through Remembrance of past sacrifice in the cause of freedom

• Hope - By remembering the past, a younger generation has the chance of a better future

• Comradeship - Through shared experience and mutual support

• Selflessness - By putting others first

• Service - To those in need and in support of the whole community

Can We Help You?

• Poppy Funds: We can provide support to serving and ex-Service people and their dependants who are suffering financially with our Immediate Needs Scheme, designed to help those who need assistance to get through a temporary crisis. Legion Small Business offers Service leavers and ex-Service people free business advice, and for those who are unemployed and starting up their own business, the opportunity to apply for an interest free loan of up to £5000 to supplement a proven shortfall. The Property Repair Loan Scheme ensures that homes can be maintained through essential repairs. We also give practical help to homeless ex-Service people who need temporary accommodation and can offer advice and support to those who are serving a prison sentence.

• Poppy Advice: Thousands of people in the UK are entitled to a War Pension, but many may not realise that they qualify. Every year the Legion’s Pensions Department helps 5,500 ex-Service men and women with new War Pension claims and gives free representation at some 5,000 appeal cases. We also help war widows fight for what is rightfully theirs, and advise on compensation claims. And www.civvystreet.org, our online careers information, helps men and women leaving the Forces to make the transition to a new life.

• Poppy Homes: A major part of our welfare work is to provide short and long-term care for ex-Service people and their dependants in our Poppy Homes around the country. Each of our seven Poppy Homes is a real home, somewhere that our residents can feel comfortable, for however long they stay. Poppy Homes are exclusive to ex-Service people and their dependants, so there’s a unique camaraderie because each resident has a Service connection. Each of these homes has a Statement of Purpose, which clearly states the services offered.

• Poppy Breaks: We have four Poppy Break Centres for those recovering from an illness or bereavement, located in some of the country’s most popular, traditional seaside resorts. Every Centre is exclusively for serving and ex-Service people, their partners and dependants, which means there’s a unique atmosphere. Guests who need care are still welcome if accompanied by a carer and with prior agreement, as we are unable to provide nursing care or administer eye drops or medication. Poppy Centres are unable to provide respite care.

• Poppy Travel: Remembrance Travel is the specialist for visits to war cemeteries, memorials and battlefields worldwide. Whether you choose a tour from our Pilgrimages to War Graves and Memorials or Tours to Battlefields Worldwide, each journey is designed to provide the visit of a lifetime. Destinations range from Belgium to Burma, France to the Falklands. Each programme has been arranged to be relaxing, informative and good value for money. The Government War Widows Grant-in-Aid Scheme enables war widows to visit their husband’s grave or memorial overseas completely free.

• Poppy People: Our volunteers are vital to our services and we always need more to join our team. The Legion’s annual Poppy Appeal depends on volunteers to collect on the street and to organise Collectors. Caseworkers work in the local community, providing emotional support and practical assistance for serving and ex-Service people. Our Hospital and Housebound Visitors bring friendship and companionship to ex-Service people who often have no other contact with the rest of the community.

Can You Help Us?

• Join the Legion: It is no longer necessary to have had military service or connections to become a member of the Royal British Legion. Anyone over the age of twenty-one can now join. They would not be eligible to benefit financially from the Legion’s Welfare Funds but would enjoy all other aspects of membership of this worthy organisation.

• Sell Poppies: Volunteers to sell poppies during the Annual Poppy Appeal are always welcome.

• Give us a Hand: Let us know of anyone in your area that you think is in need of our services, for example, someone disabled or old and frail who would benefit from some item of equipment that might improve their quality of life. We would follow up any leads to determine their requirements and eligibility. 

History

Here is an extract from the 'GRAPHIC' local paper from September 25th 1937, with an article relating to a British Legion Parade.

If you have any other interesting snippets of historical British Legion information please send them to andy@beckford-village.org for inclusion on this page.