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February 2026
Connecting, Remembering, and Supporting Our Armed Forces Community
Founded in the aftermath of the First World War, the Royal British Legion has been a constant presence for our Armed Forces community for over a century and today is woven into the fabric of British life. As the events of the Second World War fade from living memory and our Armed Forces face uncertainty on how they might be deployed over the next decade, the Royal British Legion must remain the constant that they can turn to, whatever the need, whenever it’s needed. The Armed Forces community remain at the heart of everything we do, and we owe it to them to ensure their unique contribution is not forgotten.
Like many of us at the beginning of a new year the Royal British Legion has been reassessing how they do business and have developed a new strategy that focuses on the changing needs of the whole Armed Forces community; serving personnel, veterans, families, and the bereaved and is based around three pillars – Connect, Remember, and Support. But the full impact and benefits of this Strategy will not be felt in our community without a functioning Royal British Legion Branch that ensures the Armed Forces family has friends and allies standing by them. As a member of the RBL we bring value in the following ways:
For further information about the Royal British Legion locally, including membership and opportunities to volunteer please contact the Branch Chairman using the details below:
Winterton & District Poppy Appeal
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of residents and businesses across Winterton, Burton-upon-Stather, and the surrounding villages, an impressive £9,137.85 has been raised.
This achievement is a true testament to the spirit of our community. From tireless volunteer collectors who knocked on doors, to local businesses who welcomed collection boxes, and most importantly, to you—the residents—every donation made this success possible. The Poppy Appeal is a proud tradition rooted in community effort, with door-to-door collections relying on volunteers who live among us. If you would like to join this tradition for the 2024 Appeal, we warmly welcome your support in keeping Remembrance alive.
Be part of Team UK at the Invictus Games Birmingham 2027!
The Invictus Games are a unique international sporting competition for the Armed Forces community. Unlike traditional events, they are not about high performance or winning medals but about using sport as a powerful tool for recovery and rehabilitation. Working in partnership with the Ministry of Defence, the Royal British Legion is proud to support Team UK as they compete on this inspiring stage. To apply to join Team UK at the Invictus Games, applicants must meet the Invictus Games Foundation’s eligibility criteria: they must have a military connection as either a veteran or a serving member of the Armed Forces; be wounded, injured or sick (WIS), living with a physical or mental health condition linked to their service; and demonstrate a strong recovery focus, with selection prioritising those who will gain the greatest benefit from sport as part of their rehabilitation journey. The Games celebrate resilience, courage, and the healing power of sport, offering hope and pride to all who take part.
To apply, follow this link: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/how-we-help/social-support/invictus-games/join-team-uk---application-form
December 2025
Winterton Remembers: A Year of Tribute and Community
As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on a year of remembrance and community pride. On 9 November, I joined Acts of Remembrance at every local memorial, sharing quiet reflection with residents of all ages. The Winterton & District Branch proudly led events honouring the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces throughout this anniversary year.
VE Day 80 & Roll of Honour Dedication. On 8 May, Winterton marked VE Day’s 80th anniversary with a ceremony dedicating an updated Roll of Honour. Estelle Mumby’s research added 22 names. Led by Penny Pringle and opened by Mayor Pauline Howden, the service included heartfelt contributions from pupils and relatives of the fallen, including visitors from Canada.
Winterton Airfield Memorial Dedication. On 6 July, Winterton Cemetery hosted the dedication of the new Airfield Memorial, honouring those who served at Winterton Airfield during the First World War. Gifted by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust, the ceremony featured the Last Post, Reveille, and wreath laying, with representatives from the Royal British Legion, RAF Air Cadets, and local aviation heritage groups in attendance.
Victory over Japan (VJ) Day 80. Winterton marked VJ Day’s 80th anniversary with a ceremony led by Reverend Kate Mitchell. Burma Campaign veteran Tom McKenzie, 99, read the Kohima Epitaph before his great-granddaughters laid wreaths. The community applauded warmly, then gathered at Winterton Rangers for a traditional lunch uniting all generations.
Poppy Appeal 2025. As donations are counted, we thank all Poppy Appeal volunteers for their vital support. Special thanks to the Winterton Beavers, whose enthusiasm helped bring the Appeal to life. Their cheerful involvement reminds us that remembrance is a value proudly passed from one generation to the next. Total to follow in the New Year.
October 2025
Eighty Years On: Winterton Commemorates VJ Day
At the War Memorial on 15 August, the town of Winterton gathered to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory Over Japan Day — a pivotal moment in world history that signalled the end of the Second World War. The commemorative ceremony drew veterans, local dignitaries, and members of the community together in a moving tribute to those who served in the Far East and Pacific campaigns. The ceremony featured an Act of Remembrance led by Reverend Kate Mitchell, with wreaths laid in honour of those who served and those who never returned.
Among the most moving moments of the day was the participation of Mr. Tom McKenzie, a 99-year-old retired steelworker and veteran of the Burma Campaign. Serving with distinction as a 19-year-old infantryman in the 1st Battalion (Prince of Wales’s Own) West Yorkshire Regiment, Mr. McKenzie’s presence was a living testament to the bravery of a generation that endured unimaginable hardship. In a poignant moment during the service Mr McKenzie read out the Kohima Epitaph:
When you go home tell them of us and say, “For you tomorrow we gave our today”.
Mr McKenzie then looked on as wreaths were laid on his behalf by his 4 and 7-year-old great granddaughters. As he approaches his 100th birthday the community offered warm wishes and heartfelt applause to a man who represents a generation whose bravery and endurance helped to shape the course of history.
After the ceremony, attendees gathered at Winterton Rangers for a traditional lunch — a warm and welcoming occasion that brought together all members of the community, including the Winterton Disabled Club and Lunch and Linger Group. The Winterton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to extend their thanks to North Lincolnshire Council for the generous community grant that made the gathering possible.
September 2025
Following six years of research and numerous writes and rewrites, Tom Blears, Branch Secretary of the Winterton and District Branch, has written a book about a tank battalion which served in Northern Europe during WW2. After submitting his work to several literary agents, the book has been accepted by the publisher Pen and Sword who are based at Barnsley. The title of the book has been agreed, which is 'FROM NORMANDY TO HAMBURG' 'Reminiscences of the men who fought with the 4th (Tank) Battalion Coldstream Guards.
This is Tom's first venture into authorship, and he is delighted that his work has proved worthy of publication. It is anticipated that the book launch will take place in 18 months' time.
August 2025
Winterton Show
The Royal British Legion Winterton and District Branch ran our usual stall for Winterton Show and we were delighted to meet everyone who stopped by. From long-time supporters to curious newcomers, it was heartwarming to see so many friendly faces. A huge thank you to everyone who took part in our tombola. Whether you walked away with a prize or just a warm fuzzy feeling from donating to a worthwhile cause, your generosity helped us raise a fantastic £391! These funds go directly towards supporting the work of our Branch and helping veterans and their families in our community.
Winterton Airfield Memorial Dedication – A Tribute to Forgotten Heroes
On Sunday 6 July 2025, the grounds of Winterton Cemetery became a place of remembrance and pride as the Royal British Legion Winterton and District Branch hosted the formal dedication of the Winterton Airfield Memorial. This newly installed stone monument, gifted by the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust and placed by Winterton Town Council, honours the officers and men of the Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps, and Royal Air Force who served at Winterton Airfield during the First World War. Often overlooked, Winterton’s airfield played a vital role in defending the United Kingdom from German airship attacks. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the late John Fletcher and local historians, this chapter of our heritage now has a permanent place in the town’s collective memory.
The ceremony brought together representatives from Winterton Town Council, the Royal British Legion, 119 Squadron RAF Air Cadets, and the North Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre. The service featured a moving Act of Remembrance, including a two-minute silence, the Last Post and Reveille performed by a bugler, and the ceremonial laying of wreaths by dignitaries and members of the public. The dedication marked a significant moment for Winterton—uniting community, history, and remembrance in a heartfelt tribute to those who defended the skies above Lincolnshire during the First World War.
