The Knot Unites The Staffordshire RBL Registered Charity No: 219279 June 2014 Kym Marsh shares ‘coronation' chicken with soldiers to launch Poppy Picnic Ladies & Gentlemen, The Annual Conference has now successfully taken place in Torquay. There is a report on the Conference attached/ enclosed with this newsletter, including the outcome of debates and the presentation of awards. Yours sincerely Alan Preece County Secretary Coronation Street star Kym Marsh enjoyed a picnic with soldiers from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment to launch the Legion’s Poppy Picnic campaign today, Friday 23 May. Kym is encouraging people to get together for a Poppy Picnic on 21st June, or throughout the summer, to celebrate our Armed Forces community and raise money for the Legion’s vital work. Kym’s family is closely connected with the charity; her grandfather was President of his local Legion branch in Cheshire after serving in the Army during the Second World War. To register an event, order a pack, and get inspiring picnic ideas, please visit www.poppypicnic.org.uk. All picnics registered will be entered into a free prize draw to win a fantastic trolley dash in a local Iceland Foods store. 1 New Membership Application Forms MS4/13 Copies of the new membership application forms can be obtained from Aylesford by e-mailing: [email protected] Birmingham City Council and Legion scoop a Gold and the President’s Award at Chelsea Their spectacular WW1 themed display, was created and designed by veterans. When ordering MS4/13s ensure that you give the following details:    Branch Name Branch Number Address to which membership applications are to be despatched Please note that the current Membership Application MS4/12 will not be valid beyond 31 December 2014. Inspired by the events of WW1, the showstopping design – made entirely from flowers and sustainable materials – tells a story of battle, from trench warfare to fighting in the skies. The garden also features floral representations of goods made in Birmingham to help the war effort including Hudson whistles, famously used to signal troops 'over the top' of the trenches and the Birmingham Small Arms Company folding bike. The 'City of Birmingham' train, which once transported wounded soldiers to the city's military hospitals, is seen recreated out of flowers while at the centre, five gigantic poppies will tower above the display to form a waterfall. Branch Accounts Financial Year In order to streamline the year end audit and reduce pressure on Branches over Remembrancetide, the Branch year end has been changed from 30 September to 30 June. 2013 was a year of transition, when the Branches were asked to prepare accounts for the nine month period 1 October 2012 to 30 June 2013. This year, and in the future, Branches will be required to prepare annual returns for the period 1 July to 30 June. Staffordshire County Office Following the Chelsea Flower Show the display will be featured at Gardener's World Live at The National Exhibition Centre from 12-15 June before being recreated in a high profile site in Birmingham where it will remain until the end of September. We are in the process of selling the Ferranti Court office and agreeing to a lease on Britannia House, Eastgate Street, Stafford. The accommodation is a small reception/meeting area with kitchen area; separate office for the County Secretary; welfare and other staff and a medium sized meeting room. We hope to be in in the next couple of months. http://www.ajphillips.co.uk/pdfs/property_details_ 124.pdf 2 Commando Gunners enter first car rally sporting Legion logo and strapline KEY DATES IN THE MEMBERSHIP YEAR A serving Sergeant and his co-driver entered their first car rally proudly carrying the Legion logo to show their support for the charity. 15 June Applications made by 15 June will receive a Membership Card that expires 30 September of that Legion year and will be charged the listed Membership Fee for that year. Members will be further charged their annual Membership Fee in October and will be sent a new Membership Card for that Legion year. Jim Hallam, from 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery, is currently starting a posting at AFC Harrogate, entered his very first Special Stage Rally on Saturday 17 May with his codriver, Mike Roberts at the Three Sisters Race Circuit Wigan. Jim and Mike who drove a Subaru Impreza Type RA rally prepared car carried the Legion logo and strapline stickers on the side and rear of the vehicle. New applicants may request their application be held until 1 July. 1 July Applications made from 1 July will be charged the annual Membership Fee for the following year and will receive their Membership Card with an expiry date of 30 September of the following year, resulting in up to 15 months of membership. 25 July Last date for amendment of member details prior to printing of membership cards for the Legion year. Cards are printed in August for delivery to branches in September. "We were also very pleased to finish in front of our closest rivals - another Subaru Impreza with a similar model to ours. The banter during the day was great fun and the other crews were friendly and helpful with plenty of advice and tips.” Amendments should still be notified using form MS2 after this date but will not be reflected in the details printed on the membership card or membership listing. Conversion from cash to DDSP is not possible during the renewal period. Members who wish to convert will need to pay cash for the current year and register for DDSP for next year. 1 August – 31 October No transfers between branches are possible during this period. Normal rules apply from 1 November. 3 DIARY OF EVENTS CONTACT DETAILS: 7 June 2014 AT Preece Staffordshire County Secretary The Royal British Legion Haig House Ferranti Court Stafford Technology Park Stafford ST18 0LQ Rugeley Charter Fair - WW1 Theme 7 - 8 June 2014 Wolverhampton Steam Fair 22 June 2014 Chasewater Family Fun Run 29 June 2014 Himley Hall Armed Forces Day & Youth Band Competition 29 June 2014 – Armed Forces Day Queen’s Park, Longton, Stoke on Trent 12 - 13 July 2014 Wolverhampton City Show Telephone: 01785 226526 Mobile: 07900 058 650 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/staffordshire 23 September 2014 County Games Competition 28 September 2014 Branch Chairman’s Seminar 1 November 2014 – TRBL Festival of Remembrance, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre POPPY SHOP Using our Poppy Shop is easy. Just browse our online store and make your purchases. You will be asked to register so return shopping is even quicker - just login and make your purchases. Buying from the Poppy Shop provides funding for The Royal British Legion to continue their work helping the Armed Forces family. www.poppyshop.org.uk 0300 123 9110 West Midlands Regional Office The West Midlands Regional Office is now operational. Their new postal address is: PO Box 16802 Birmingham B2 2QL 4