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Alrewas branch was formed in 1921, the same year as The Royal
British Legion and it is one of the oldest branch's in North
Staffordshire along with the Legion it is celebrating it's 85th
Anniversary . The branch standard carries the honour of the 75th
Anniversary Streamer Pennant. We moved to our current
headquarters, a refurbished Roadchef, in 1995. Alrewas branch and club
has 388 members of which 30 are members of the Women's Section.
The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 and is the nation’s premier
ex-service charity. Its objects include promoting the welfare of
ex-service men and women and their dependents and relieving hardship
among them where it exists; raising and distributing money for these
purposes; assisting serving men and women to return to civilian life.
The Branch carries out these objectives locally, from visiting the
sick to obtaining grants for welfare purposes or arranging
convalescence. Remember you don’t have to be a Legion Member to ask for
help from us.
The Branch organizes the annual Poppy Collection in the village and the
village annual Remembrance Parade on the second Sunday of November, this
marches off at 10:00 am. The Branch also observes the TWO MINUTES
SILENCE at 11:00 am on 11th November at the village War Memorial.
Alrewas is one of the most picturesque villages in Staffordshire.
Situated on the A38, four miles north of the historic cathedral city of
Lichfield and seven miles south of Burton on Trent, its history dates
back to Domesday Book.
With its many black and white cottages it is popular with tourists,
boasting several shops and hotels. The river Trent flows through the
north and east of the village and the Trent and Mersey canal flows
through the centre. Many canal boats pass through and holidaymakers stop
off for a walk around the village. This is the nearest branch and club
to the National Memorial Arboretum (1/4 mile).
This beautiful area occupies 150 acres on the edge of the National
Forest and is being constructed in memory of everyone who lost their
lives in conflict during the last century.
The admission is now FREE
Its inspiration came from the late Lord (Group Captain) Cheshire. Many
organisations both regimental and civilian have planted trees and
memorials - The Burma Star Association, Dunkirk and Normandy veterans,
The Children of the Far East Prisoners of War ( COFEPW ), The Irish
Regiment, The RAF regiment, WRNS, Korean Veterans Association, and many
more. There is also a Millenium Chapel on the site, the only one to be
built during the Millenium year. Visitors can reflect and remember and
the Last Post is sounded every day at 11 am. The arboretum was
officially opened by HRH the Duchess of Kent in the year 2000 and is
well worth a visit by all ex-Service personnel and families. Visitors to
the arboretum are most welcome to visit us and refreshment facilities
are available for parties of 30 or more by prior arrangement. Smaller
parties and individuals are welcome during Club opening hours.
The Branch participates in No. 1 Group Sports during the winter months.
This is a social evening playing other Branches in the Group at Crib,
Darts, Dominoes, Whist and Snooker. It have even been in the Region
Sports Finals representing the Royal British Legion in North
Staffordshire. |
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