IMPORTANT - Branches and their interaction with Schools

From: John Headford Somerset.CYO@RBL.Community) johndheadford42@gmail.com

Since the end of National Service in the 1960’s, our Armed Forces has been all volunteers. The reductions in the size of the armed forces by successive governments has reduced the Legion’s potential membership pool dramatically.

The Legion’s current Youth Policy focuses mainly upon the Cadet forces, but essentially, every member of the Armed Forces and every Legion supporter has been a scholar, so where better to begin recruiting members.

I have recently become aware of an approach by Derbyshire County RBL to raise awareness of the RBL in Schools.
Their suggestion is for the formation of ‘Poppy Clubs’ (effectively youth branches) within Schools, and to this end Branches have been contacting the Head Teachers of Schools in their area to introduce the work of the Legion and offer to undertake presentations to the children.

The scheme has created considerable interest within that County.
I raised the subject at the last County Committee Meeting and after discussion, I was tasked with ascertaining the level of interaction in this County between Branches and their local Schools.

I am aware that there are already a number of formal Affiliations between a Branch and School, and these all seem to be generating interest. At Crewkerne, for example, their Affiliated Primary School is closely involved with the Admiral Nurses and Forget-me-nots and has been involved with ARC at Egwood.
I am certain that there are many other examples where Branches will have a less formal connection but, none the less, undertake valuable work in promoting the Legion to the pupils, (and staff) and It would be greatly appreciated if these
branches would let me know of their local initiatives so that we, in this County can develop our own initiative to encourage the children’s interest in Remembrance and ultimately, perhaps, membership of the RBL .
I can be contacted through County office, or I am happy to receive contact by email through my Legion Community address (Somerset.CYO@RBL.Community) or my home email address johndheadford42@gmail.com
I recognise that many children are involved at Remembrance tide through the Scouting and Girl Guiding communities.
I have seen how many attend the Remembrance Sunday Service in Weston, and I am certain this is repeated throughout the County.
That there is interest among these youngsters is shown simply by their attendance at such events.
The Derbyshire scheme makes some suggestions for the approach, but this does place an extra burden upon Branch members. However, if a Branch is interested in the approach and can find a ‘willing’ volunteer I am happy to send the detailed timetable of actions suggested by this project. The major items under the heading
“Legion Branches offerings to Schools” are
• Suggest the schools adopt War Graves in their local cemetery and look after them. This action can be supported by the CWGC local volunteers. Encourage schools to hold Remembrance ceremonies with the support of Legion Branches (a Service could be held at Remembrancetide or on the anniversary of the serviceman/woman’s death)
• Help with the School’s Remembrance Day curriculum.
• Give talks or presentations on the Royal British Legion)
I would greatly appreciate it if you could take time to review the level of interaction between your branch and local schools and let me have your thoughts and any suggestions you may have to improve the Legion’s connection with their local schools.
JohnHeadford