RBL GOLD BADGE AWARD

The County was delighted to award a Royal British Legion Gold Badge to Mr Roy Strange, our former County Community Support Officer. Roy had worked tirelessly and selflessly in this role for a number of years in addition to being an active member of St Weonards Branch. Roy had held a number of Branch Officer roles and had approached each with great energy and total dedication. It was only failing health that obliged him to relinquish his county welfare role.

Mr Charles Byrne, Director General of the Royal British Legion, presented Roy with the Gold Badge and accompanying Citation. The County was most grateful to the management and staff of Charnwood Care Home in Much Dewchurch for allowing us to gather in their garden for the event. Members of the County Committee were joined by former members of St Weonards Branch, Roy's family and with other residents of Charnwood looking on from the conservatory windows. Roy was both surprised and delighted by the proceedings which had remained a well kept secret until the day! With his usual modesty, Roy made a very eloquent acceptance speech and the party then moved next door to The Black Swan for refreshments. We also extend our thanks to Mrs Gill Constance of the Black Swan for providing the refreshments. Gill is an ardent supporter of the Royal British Legion and once again we thank her for her hospitality and generosity. 

The Gold Badge - a short explanation

A Gold Badge is the highest National Award made by the Royal British Legion in recognition of any outstanding contribution made by members of the organisation. In order to preserve the value of the award the recipient must have served with distinction and to have played an outstanding part in the conduct of Legion affairs in order to merit such special recognition.