Branch Standards
The History of the RBL Standard
The Royal British Legion Standard was original designed in 1922 by Colonel E C Heath, the first General Secretary of the British Legion, and made it’s first appearance in June that year at the Crystal Palace Sports Day.
The National Standard was first paraded at the Annual Conference Cenotaph Service on Whit Sunday in 1924. By the end of 1928, one in three branches had their own Standards. Like a Regimental Colour, the Standard should be looked upon as the rallying point of the branch.
The design of the Standard is to make it a constant symbolic reminder to members of the Legion's motto ‘Service not self'. The crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick symbolise unity, chivalry and our loyalty to our Sovereign, community and nation. The blue indicates loyalty and fidelity and the gold signifies service - "as gold is tried by fire" - and reminds us of all those who gave their lives for our country. Standards are dedicated before being taken into use, and are laid-up in sacred or public buildings after service.
Barnoldswick and District Branch Standard
The current branch standard is carried by our Branch Standard bearer, Mr James Spence.
Previous Branch Standards
As a district branch created from the amalgamation of Barnoldswick and Earby, Thornton and Kelbrook branches we have a number of standards with different branch titles laid up around the area.
Barnoldswick
Two of the standards from the original Barnoldswick Branch are laid up in Saint Mary Le Ghyll Church and Holy Trinity Church respectively. The ribbon on the standard in Holy Trinity Church is to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Barnoldswick Branch in 1971.
Laid up in Laid up in
Church of St Mary Le-Ghyll Holy Trinity Church, Barnoldswick
A further Barnoldswick Standard is on Display at Eden Camp Modern History Museum, Malton
Earby, Thornton and Kelbrook
Standards from the original Earby, Thornton and Kelbrook Branch and Women's section are laid up in All Saints Church, Earby.
The Ribbon on the middle picture was attached to the Standard to celebrate the Earby, Thornton and Kelbrook Branches 50th Anniversary in 1974. This standard was laid up in Nov 2015 at a very moving service at All Saints Church.
The Standard was brought into church by Mr Jim Spence, Standard Bearer to the Barnoldswick and District Branch of the Royal British Legion.
It was passed to the Rev. Hugh Fielden for safe-keeping at All Saints by Mrs Ann Marie Benford, Chairman of the branch. Legion chaplain Rev.Diane Weaver, presided over the service. The late Mr “Jim” Tattersall had carried that Standard for over 30 years and his family were in the congregation alongside local Legion members and representatives from the County Branch.
