The Royal British Legion

The local branch of the national organisation, which organises social and emotional support for those who have served or are serving in the armed forces.

Membership is open to everyone who

• is currently serving (whether in the regular or reserved forces)
• has served (including National Service)
• has not served, but supports the aims of the Legion.

All members have an equal right to take part at branch, county and national level. Youth membership is available to those under 18, and new members would be most welcome. Contact John Wardle 01491 833160 for information, or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk

Below are pictures of the annual wreath-laying ceremony in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell on Armistice Day, November 11th, after the First World War, and in 2005. The latter picture shows Lt. Col. Gilbert Talbot (1918-2007), a stalwart of the Brightwell branch for many years. Click here for his obituary in the February/March 2007 edition of The Villager.

The annual Remembrance Sunday parade starts from the Red Lion at 10.30 am, in order to reach the War Memorial in time for a short ceremony before the 11 am silence. The parade is made up of representatives of the British Legion, Parish Council, Cadets and the Scouting movement, as well as villagers and visitors. Acting servicemen and women are invited to wear their uniforms and march with the British Legion. Included in the service is a reading of the Act of Remembrance and the names of those killed in war. The list is reprinted below: