Britain busy supporting Royal British Legion

People around the UK are busy supporting the Royal British Legion.

For example, it has recently been reported that Swadlincote and District Royal British Legion has a new young mascot, who has been doing her bit to commemorate World War One.

Mia George, aged ten, recently travelled to Belgium and France with the group and South Derbyshire District Council, according to the Burton Mail.

"It was very exciting as I knew I would have some special moments and I could help the Royal British Legion out," she told the news provider.

While on the trip, the group took in several memorial sites, battlefields and museums. A wreath laying ceremony took place at the Last Post Ceremony, Ypres.

Talking to the news provider, branch secretary for the Swadlincote and District Royal British Legion, Glyn Jackson, has said he read about Accrington Branch appointing its own branch mascot, and Mia came to mind for this similar role.

"I immediately thought of Mia, the daughter of branch members Matt and Kate George," he said, adding that he got in touch to ask if Mia would like to take the role.

The youngster had already done her bit fundraising in the past and loved the suggestion, he explained.

In national news, recently the Royal British Legion teamed up with First Capital Connect for a special train-set event.

In celebration of the beginning of Poppy Picnics, the latest campaign from the Legion, people picnicked on a train going from Peterborough to Kings Cross.

The campaign first took place last year, when more than 1,000 picnics were held – there were even picnics at London's Old Vic theatre and The Royal Courts of Justice.

This year, the charity wants people to have a picnic on Poppy Picnic Day, June 21st, or another point over the summer.

The idea is that the initiative, supported by Coronation Street actress and singer Kym Marsh, both celebrates the Armed Forces and brings in funds for the work the Legion does.

Director of fundraising for the charity, Charles Byrne  has explained that people can bake, give out prizes and play games at their picnics, and ask for small donations to the Legion.

"Even the smallest amount will make a real difference," he said. "Armed Forces families are a key focus for the Legion this year. We spend £1.4 million each week providing wide ranging, and practical support to families in need, including crisis grants, family breaks, and benefits and money advice."

Poppy Picnic packs are being provided at Iceland outlets at the moment, and via the official Poppy Picnic website.

Two of the people who boarded the 'Poppy Express' last month to help kick start the campaign were Sam Jack, aged 26, and Ben Roberts, aged 33. Both of them have been helped by the Royal British Legion.

Meanwhile, in an appeal for Legion help at local level, it seems the Edwinstowe branch in Nottinghamshire needs more members.

According local news provider the Chad, it wants fresh recruits in the year of the First World War centenary, after member numbers fell to ten.

At meetings, branch business is discussed and guest speaker fill members in on things like armed forces life and history.

There's a membership fee, but people can go to some meetings and see if it's for them before they pay.

Finally in this round-up of Royal British Legion news, the Gloucester Citizen recently reported on the run up to a charity performance of Lest We Forget in Hartpury in May. Hartpury Drama Group put on the performance to bring in money for the Poppy Appeal.

“We firmly believe that supporting the Royal British Legion with the sales from the tickets for the first performance is the right thing to do," commented director David Page to the news provider.

The play came out of local research and three of the people working on the production were veterans.