Stockton Branch ran a Schools Competition at the Preston Park Museum, the winners were judged by the Mayor of Stockton Cllr Javed. The challenge was put out to all the local schools inviting them to take part in a competition to help commemorate the RBL 100 and our Branch 100yrs. The competition was split into 3 categories under 7s, 7-11 and 11+. The 11+ had one winner where as the other 2 categories had a 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, the cups presented were purchased by the branch with the words ‘Royal British Legion 100th Birthday Competition’ on the plaque.  The number and standard of entries was extremely High which made the Mayor's job extremely difficult below are pictures of the winners and runners up with a big well done to all entered.

Winner - 11+ North Shore Academy 

Winner 7 - 11 Norton Primary 

Winner Under 7s Mill Lane Primary

2nd Place 7 - 11 St Patricks Primary 

2nd Place Under 7s St Patricks Primary 

3rd Place 7 - 11 Junction Farm (Eaglescliffe)

3rd Place Under 7s St Patricks Primary 

As a Branch knew we couldn’t encourage a large gathering but wanted to do something for Members, so some members in need of company were contacted to see if they might come down to the park between 10-12pm on Sundays, as there was a café open for takeaway service there.   

We met as a small group maintaining social distancing but enjoying the company of friends in the fresh air, either walking around the park or in the area in front of the café. From this, three members with similar interests in sailing have now set up their own support bubble, contacting each other regularly and meeting up for other activities when it was it was possible within the Covid regulations.

The Branch tested out Zoom with an online quiz night, which was attended by several members. Realising by now that the Branch would not be functioning as normal for some time, it was decided to start having our monthly committee meetings using zoom, this was very effective enabling us to discuss Legion activities face to face again, although the meeting length was limited.

As we went into another lockdown the committee agreed we needed to try to encourage members to get together again, at least virtually. We approached Blyth Town Council who had donated funds for storage of assets, which hadn’t been fully used and asked if we could use some for a Zoom subscription with the intention of setting up a fortnightly online breakfast club, and using it for BCS work where required.

We have had a couple of breakfast club meetings so far some just come for a quick cuppa whilst others staying longer.  It will take time to encourage others to join and we offer help to members if they need talking through how to get set up.

Throughout lockdown our quarterly newsletter, put together by 15 year old Katie-Jane, our first Young Member has been published and sent out to all branch members and community groups by email or by post. This contains all branch updates and news as well as quizzes and interesting historical information.

However, our RBL Blyth Facebook page is the huge success. Used from the very beginning, we have almost 1,000 followers from all over the world thanks to some posts that have been shared many times. We have had several people use the messenger system to ask for support, then passed onto our BCS team. They have all said they felt it was easier for them than to come to breakfast club or talk on the phone. Blyth Poppy Makers Group grew from the main group, for local crafty folk to learn how to create poppies for remembrance. This is now its own group and has applied for funding for supplies and equipment.

To keep up to date or find out more about Blyth Branch you can visit their Facebook Page Website or  contact them by email