Dear member,
Hello and welcome to the October edition of The RBL Stourbridge Branch’s newsletter 2026.
The clean-up following the fire at the Old Edwardians Club is nearing completion, the bar is once again open, but the kitchens will remain closed until early November. This month’s branch meeting was held at The RBL Amblecote but, because they have a weekly function on a Wednesday, the meeting took place on Tuesday 13th. There was a limited attendance with the secretary joining by video link. The next meeting is on Wednesday 11h November, 20.00, at the Old Edwardians Club, this will be our AGM. All are welcome. December’s branch meeting, 9th Dec, will be a social gathering with light refreshments laid on, please email [email protected] if you are attending so we have some idea of numbers.
The official launch of the annual Poppy Appeal takes place next. Suzanne the PAO has been working tirelessly to get things ready. If you are able to spare a little time to help please email [email protected].
The annual Remembrance Parade will take place on Sunday 8th November 2026 in Mary Stevens Park. Planning is in its final stage. All organisations who wish to take part in the parade are to form up in the car park, outside the council offices, at 10.20. Parking in the park will be severely restricted, so attendees are encouraged to walk to the park. Orders of service can be downloaded from Remembrance Parade all are encouraged to print their own off and bring them along.
Hopefully, with the kitchen due to be open by then, the next Vet’s Breakfast will take place on the 28th of November, callings will go out 3 to 4 weeks prior to this date. If you are a veteran and have not been contacted by us but would like to attend, please get in touch with either myself or Sue, the treasurer, details below. This informal event, which takes place at the Old Edwardians Club is where a group of likeminded people meet to enjoy a discounted breakfast, socialise and raise some money for the charity through the raffle. The cost of the breakfast is £10, and we will need to know if you wish to attend no later than the Wednesday before each event. A big thank you, as always, to Tim, Tracy and the team for their continued support of these events.
Army v Navy rugby. The book is now open for the annual pilgrimage to Twickenham for the biggest game in amateur rugby Army v Navy 27 Cost is £80 which includes coach to Twickenham and return, ticket to the game, packed lunch and refreshments on the coach. Payment; £40.00 to be paid by 31st December, RFU require payment by 4th Jan, with the remainder paid by the end of Feb. Email me [email protected] to book a place.
Our friends at Amblecote RBL continue to put on various entertainments, see the link for details, Amblecote RBL, all branch members are welcome.
Parkfield Grange Care Home, 31 Hagley Rd, Stourbridge, continue to welcome us hosting Veterans Coffee Mornings on the 2nd Tuesday and last Thursday of each month 10.30-12.00. The next few are 29th October, 10th and 26th November there is no charge for these events which are open to all - no need to book just turn up. Thanks once again to Emily and her team for being so welcoming and looking after us.
Happy birthday to us! Next March the Stourbridge Branch of the RBL will be 105 years old! As nobody had noticed our 100th birthday four years ago we did nothing to mark the occasion, so to make amends we intend to have a celebratory lunch at Stourbridge Golf Club on Saturday 20th March 2027, timings and cost tbc. Put a note in your diary and we’ll see you there.
RBL Helpline - 0808 802 8080 from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.
Contacts
Mick Thompson Chair [email protected]
Diane Hartland Secretary [email protected]
Sue Thompson Treasurer [email protected]
Suzanne Webb PAO [email protected]
John Mannix Standard Bearer [email protected]
Regards
Mick
M J Thompson
RBL Stourbridge Branch Chair
Branch website; https://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/stourbridge/
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