Early in 2016, Branch and County Secretaries received a letter from the RBL Trustees informing us that it was proposed to change the status of the Women's Section within the organisation to that of a District with in the RBL. To say that the ladies were upset was an understatement!
At the Women's Section National Conference held in April 2016 the ladies made their feelings very clear about the proposed future.  Following great debate, the Women's Section Conference decided by a hugh majority that we would rather go out with our heads held high and made its own decision to close from September 30th 2016.  However, this decision still needed to be ratified by the RBL before it could be actioned and was overwhelmingly thrown out by RBL Members at their National Conference in May 2016.
Further negotiations took place between the Women's Section National Chairman and the RBL Board of Trustees and amongst the things to come out of these negotiations were:-

• The Section would be known as The Royal British Legion Women's Section (RBLWS).
• The RBLWS will retain its National Status.
• The RBLWS will retain its National Standard.
• The ceremonial dress of the Women's Section will also be retained.
• The Chairman of the RBLWS will remain on the Board of Trustees.

Discussions are ongoing with regard to the implimentation of the changes.

Sadly nine Counties, including the Isle of Wight, and many Branches have already closed.  On the Isle of Wight all Women's Section Branches, EXCEPT East Cowes Women's Section, have closed.

East Cowes Women's Section held a meeting at the Newport Conservative Club in July 2017.  The AGM is planned for 2nd October 2017 when we will welcome all ladies who would be interested in joining us.

For any further information please contact:-

Mrs Hilary Highsmith  on  01983 718470

OR

Mrs Sylvia Williams  on 01983 296810