TOMMY T H E O FFICIAL TO M M Y C LU B M AGAZ I N E Autumn 2021
TEAM BRAVE As we celebrate our first anniversary, we highlight the incredible efforts of Tommy Club Champions who have collectively raised a whopping £165,000 throughout the year.
MORE IN THIS ISSUE: • • • •
Tommy scores with Leyton Orient Major award for LifeWorks Ash’s hotel room marathon Our 1 year anniversary
INTRODUCTION
CONTENTS
BY GENERAL THE LORD DANNATT. GCB, CBE, MC, DL
WELCOME TO OUR AUTUMN 2021 TOMMY CLUB MAGAZINE
Dear Champions Welcome to our second Tommy Club magazine and the celebration of the 1 year anniversary of the Tommy Club. What an incredible year it has been. First of all I want to thank all of you again for everything that you have been doing to support veterans across the UK. In our community we are all acutely aware of how distressed many of our comrades have felt watching the horrendous events unfold in Afghanistan. None of us wanted this. Many have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes to help get people out. It has also been absolutely vital that we have supported the veterans here, those we know are more isolated, or particularly angry, about the events they have seen on the news. I thank you for all your acts of kindness, all the telephone calls and visits that you have made to veterans to make sure that they are OK. We must all be alert for their mental health. By supporting the Tommy Club you are making sure that we are providing homes, care, jobs, counselling – and most important of all – a true community for those who are at the greatest risk. We are making sure they know their service is valued. I also wanted to thank you for taking the time to complete our Tommy Club survey. 98% response is fantastic. All of us in the Tommy Club have been encouraged by your feedback and messages and your commitment to this charity, and the charity’s practical work. We are certainly a community that walks the talk. I hope you will encourage your friends, family and colleagues to get involved and become a part of this too. We are making an important difference. We were founded in the crisis of the Covid pandemic, and the recent crisis in Afghanistan reminds us again how much the Tommy Club is needed. Please help us grow this wonderful new venture by spreading the word. General The Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL
TOMMY NEWS
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Latest news
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Tommy Club updates
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RBLI’s LifeWorks team receive coveted national award
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Harry Kane scores again with Tommy branded Leyton Orient kit
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Tommy Club celebrates first anniversary with new Gold Awards
20 Barratt Developments step up their support 26 Garden of Reflection opens to honour those lost during Covid-19 27 Latest Florence Nightingale awards honour RBLI carers 31
RBLI veterans take to the airwaves
34 Salty Sappers: Final countdown to Atlantic attempt REGULAR FEATURES & STORIES
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Graham’s story: LifeWorks opens new doors
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Jasmine’s story: Learning new skills at SBMC
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Latest from Scotland’s Bravest
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Founding Patron: Nigel Howell
24 Founding Patron: Piers Storie-Pugh 28 Women in War: Bletchley codebreaker honoured 30 The RBLI Village explained 32 The Grapevine: Your stories from the community 36 Tommy Club shop: Remembrance TOMMY CLUB EVENTS
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Tommy’s Mini Mission - win a MINI!
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Tommy Tea gets the nation baking
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Tommy’s Race To Victory smashes targets
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Ride with a Veteran races to success
22 Limber up for the Tommy 10k 23 Remembrance events 35 Events diary — book your places now!
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TOMMY CLUB UPDATES
TOMMY NEWS WHAT ’S HAPPENING AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY JOIN US
S I LVE R C H A M P S !
DON’T FORGET
YOUR STORY
LEAFLET DROPPERS... WE NEED YOU!
For all the latest community news, don’t forget to join us at facebook.com/groups/ tommyclub
Congratulations to 221 of you that are now Silver Champions!
We want to see you proudly wearing your Tommy Club pin! Share a photo on Facebook or email tommyclub@rbli. co.uk
Have you got a story to share? We want to hear it! Visit tommyclub. co.uk/champions-area
Would you help us spread the word about the Tommy Club, our amazing community and everything we are achieving for our veterans?
TOMMY CLUB FOUNDING PATRON TAKES ON HOTEL MARATHON In June, Ash Alexander-Cooper decided to run a marathon, whilst quarantining in his 30ft hotel room to raise funds for RBLI.
The former British Army Officer and Tommy Club Founding Patron was travelling to Australia to reunite with his 12-year-old daughter after more than a year apart.
open a window, Ash decided to take the opportunity to raise crucial funds for RBLI during the pandemic.
LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON 2022
It is a cause that is particularly close to the Gurkha veteran’s heart. During a 22-year service career, in which he became one of the Army’s most experienced operational specialists, Ash survived being shot in both legs, a number of explosive incidents, a suicide bomber and a helicopter crash.
However, to adhere to the country’s strict Covid regulations, Ash was required to quarantine in a Sydney hotel for two weeks upon arrival. Confined to his room, with meals delivered to his door and unable to even
RUN FOR TEAM BRAVE
S U N D AY 3 A P R I L
D I S TA N C E :
13.1 MILES
L O C AT I O N :
LONDON
P L E D G E :
£350
The race starts by The Strand, finishes by Downing Street and has fabulous views of London’s most iconic landmarks including Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral, Nelson’s Column, the Gherkin, the Shard, the Tower of London and the London Eye. By joining the team, RBLI will support you and you will receive:
Ash’s hotel marathon raised £8052 for Tommy Club.
What Tommy Club can achieve with your help is much greater than anything we could do alone. We are looking for volunteers to hand out leaflets at your local events, through your neighbours’ letterboxes or maybe you even know of a local publication that could feature us!
ERE JOIN H O.UK LUB.C C Y M M
TO
28/10/2020
Tommy
•
An RBLI running vest when you raise over £100
•
A fundraising pack to help take your challenge to the finish line
•
Fun tools and tips to help you with your fundraising, including regular emails to keep you motivated
Link to pre-register for event:
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WIN A PAIR OF LEYTON ORIENT TICKETS
28/10/20
20 14:3 1:07
Refer a friend to join the Tommy Club anytime to enter our draw to win a FREE pair of tickets to see Leyton Orient at home — with a first hand view of the infamous Tommy Club home kit! Entry is automatic when your friend or family member signs up online and enters your name in the referral box.
tommyclub.co.uk/join
Every Bronze Tommy Club Champion who raises £100 or more for RBLI will move up the ranks to become a Silver Champion for their year’s subscription. This can be in one go or collectively over the course of your Bronze Championship. As a Silver Champion, you will receive extra benefits: • Silver Tommy Club Pin and thank you card • Invitation to our Tommy Club garden party • Invitation to our Tommy Club Awards ceremony • Invitation to a Tommy Club factory tour and to meet our veterans So, why not support our veterans one step further by taking part in our amazing community events like the Great Tommy Sleep Out, Tommy 10K, or maybe by organising your own fundraiser?
RENEWAL REMINDER Tommy Club is officially a year old! As we celebrate our first birthday, this also means our first ever renewals season is about to start. You can all expect to hear from us in advance of your subscription renewal, so don’t worry about missing it. We are so grateful for all of your support over the past year, particularly in the wider circumstances. We really hope you will all want to join us again when the time comes to renew and receive your 2021 pins — we have so much in store for this next year! Fingers crossed, 2022 will allow us to meet more of you in person.
If you interested in volunteering with Tommy Club, please email tommyclub@rbli.co.uk 4
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OUR WORK
GRAHAM’S STORY
RBLI LIFEWORKS PROGRAMME WINS VETERAN EMPLOYMENT AWARD
ROYAL LOGISTICS CORPS VETERAN BENEFITS FROM LIFEWORKS
Our Inititative of the Year award was collected by Graham, a Royal Logistics Corp veteran from South Wales, who has recently found work through our LifeWorks program.
LifeWorks wins a coveted award for industryleading support of military veterans in employment.
Please join us in congratulating RBLI’s LifeWorks team, who took home the Initiative of the Year Award at this year’s Ex-Forces in Business Awards for their exceptional ongoing support of military veterans and their families, particularly recognising the firstclass adaptation to remote learning during the early phases of the pandemic. The Ex-Forces in Business Awards are committed to recognising only the very best who support the transition of servicemen and women into the civilian world of work. LifeWorks has supported more than 3000 people since 2011, with phenomenal results. But in 2020, as lockdown hit, the team had to think quickly and creatively to deliver the much-needed programme in a new way.
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Traditionally delivered face to face across the UK, the team rapidly redesigned the LifeWorks programme to operate remotely. With high quality content and quick thinking, LifeWorks has continued to support veterans throughout the pandemic. The programme could not be more crucial as the job market reopens and more veterans than ever are seeking employment support. Adpating to remote working also revealed the great potential to reach more veterans with greater impact. As face-to-face sessions return, an expanded team will now deliver LifeWorks remotely alongside it to reach an even wider audience. As well as the programme’s Reachback service, LifeWorks will be offering additional support to delegates to help them retain employment.
After serving 15 years, reaching the rank of Corporal and qualifying as a chef, Graham left the Army after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and PTSD. He found work in catering but then also developed arthritis in his ankles, which made doing a job that requires standing for long periods very painful. Having been furloughed at the start of the pandemic Graham became fearful of returning to catering work due to his physical condition.
By October 2020 Graham had applied for over 20 jobs without hearing back, which he found incredibly demoralising.
The interview lasted for about an hour and he walked out feeling confident. Two days later he had the call. He was offered the job!
“I was in a dark place having struggled with PTSD for some time. I was finding it very hard to find a job during the pandemic.”
“Going from over 20 applications to not even getting an interview, I have been offered this job that before the course I would not have even applied for. So again I would like to say a BIG thank you and here's to my new job as a Tenancy Support Officer.”
Graham worked with the LifeWorks team on his CV and interview preparation, as well as looking for roles that would suit him perfectly. A Tenancy Support Officer role became available, which sounded interesting but was totally out of Graham’s comfort zone, having never done that type of work before. LifeWorks helped him prepare and two weeks after applying he got an offer for an interview. “I had an email from the Managing Director of the company to say that over 250 people had applied for this job with some very strong candidates. They had then been narrowed down to 46 and then 12 were taken to interview and I was one of them!”
Congratulations Graham!
LW
WHAT IS LIFEWORKS? In the early 2000’s, RBLI began LifeWorks courses, providing employment support to veterans across the UK. This has since expanded, with courses now being delivered abroad to the families of serving personnel. LifeWorks is RBLI’s flagship employment course which helps ex-servicemen and women back to work. Independently evaluated by the Learning and Work Institute in 2016, it was found that 83% of veterans supported were in employment within 12 months – an exceptional result compared to other similar employment programmes.
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HARRY SCORES AGAIN!
FANS VOICE THEIR APPROVAL
KANE SECURES LEYTON ORIENT HOME KIT FOR TOMMY CLUB
ORIENT FANS SHOW OFF NEW TOMMY SHIRTS AT FIRST HOME GAME
In another outstanding show of support, ambassador Harry Kane dedicates his shirt sponsorship with Leyton Orient to Tommy Club.
NEW SHIRT PAYS HOMAGE TO CLUB’S WW1 SACRIFICE
GESTURE CREATES A T R U LY P O W E R F U L PARTNERSHIP
TOMMY SCORES AT ORIENT’S FIRST HOME MATCH
The new home strip was unveiled just before VE Day, alongside our Tommy’s Race to Victory fundraising team.
Steve Sherry CMG OBE, Chief Executive at Royal British Legion Industries, said:
Tommy Club had the pleasure of attending Leyton Orient’s first home league match on Saturday 14 August and we were so proud to see the team and supporters wearing Tommy on their shirts.
RBLI’s new relationship with Leyton Orient is both powerful and poignant. During World War I, a total of 41 members of the Clapton Orient team and staff joined up into the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (the Footballers’ Battalion), the highest number of any football team in the country. During the Battle of the Somme, three players gave their lives for king and country: Richard McFadden, George Scott and William Jonas.
“Harry Kane and Leyton Orient have developed a truly groundbreaking partnership and a new voice for worthy causes such as ours. Many of our country’s most vulnerable veterans need our support now more than ever, and high profile support like this will have a genuinely life-changing effect on the brave men and women supported by Tommy Club. We simply cannot thank Harry and Leyton Orient enough.”
The official Leyton Orient Home shirt featuring Tommy Club is now available in men, women and junior sizes via the Leyton Orient shop:
shop.leytonorient.com 8
TOM M Y C LU B NEWS I AUTUMN 2021
Orient fans and Tommy Club Champions alike have been going crazy for the new home shirt. Up The O’s! We never tire of seeing our amazing supporters showing off their pride. Keep them coming!
“Absolutely fantastic! Haven’t seen brilliant football like that for 3 years. I love the shirt, I’m very happy wearing it”
“It’s wonderful to be back. Excellent 3-0 result and I am so proud to wear this shirt!” Robert
Peter
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EV ENTS
EVENTS
TOMMY CHAMPIONS WIN GOLD AT FIRST ANNIVERSARY EVENT
TO M M Y C LU B F I R ST A N N IVE R S A RY G A R D E N PA RTY I N PI CTU R E S
OUR NEW TOMMY CLUB GOLD CHAMPIONS Ash AlexanderCooper OBE Barratt Developments Martin Barraud Raj Bisram George Bradford Tim Brown Stacy Cleghorn Michelle Dougan Penny Dyson Joan Edwards
September 2021: Silver Champions, Founding Patrons and military veterans come together at RBLI’s Aylesford village to celebrate the first anniversary of Tommy Club – with a select few taking away Gold Awards for their continued support. The inaugural Tommy Club garden party saw Champions travel from as far as Scotland and Cornwall to tour the village and meet some of the veterans supported by Tommy Club during the pandemic. Of them was veteran Tim Brown, who was diagnosed with PTSD after his 23-year service career which saw him complete operational tours in Iraq, the Gulf, and Northern Ireland. Tim now works in RBLI’s social enterprise factory, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, overseeing the team who produce the factory’s wide range of Tommy products. 20 Champions were also presented with coveted Tommy Gold Awards by RBLI’s Deputy Chief Executive, Lisa Farmer, for their significant contributions to Tommy Club.
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Steve Sherry CMG OBE, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said: It’s been a truly remarkable first year for the Tommy Club. That support has meant that RBLI can continue on its path to greatly expanding our services – whether that’s providing a home to a homeless veteran, or supporting them into meaningful work opportunities. It’s because of those who support us through projects like the Tommy Club that we are able to provide the life-changing support that we can. But it’s clear that it’s only going to become harder over the coming years, as the country recovers from the effects of the pandemic.
Peter Girling Faye Kent Peter Ketley Sally Orange Paul Sapsford Steve Sherry CMG OBE Peter Topley Brendan Touhey MBE Trevor Vernalls Neil Young
IMAGES: Tommy Champions gather in the Garden of Honour before touring the Centenary Village and sitting down for afternoon tea. GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS: Creator of the Tommy, Martin Barraud. Falklands veteran Peter Ketley, one half of the ocean rowing pair Grandads of the Atlantic. Tim Brown and Paul Sapsford from community fundraisers, Pew Pew Airsoft. RBLI Village resident and Tommy Champion, Peter Topley. Cycle event organisers and friends of RBLI, Penny Dyson and Brendan Touhey MBE. Corporate supporter Barratt Developments. Members of the Race to Victory relay team, ‘Team Tommy’.
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EVENTS
EVENTS
TOMMY’S MINI MISSION
TOMMY TEA GETS THE NATION BAKING
WIN A BRAND NEW MINI YOUR CHANCE TO ENTER OUR FIRST EVER RAFFLE
Our first ever raffle gives you the chance to win a brand new MINI 3-Door Hatch for just £1! This fantastic raffle prize was generously donated by our outgoing chairman, Stephen Kingsman, and will be supplied to the winner by Arden Maidstone.
To be in with the chance of winning, visit: rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/tommys-mini-mission Tickets cost just £1 each. Please note, no physical tickets will be issued for online entries – your purchase confirmation email will be proof of entry.
The draw will take place on 1st April 2022.
We are thrilled to be launching our first ever RBLI raffle – Tommy’s Mini Mission. We have kindly been gifted a brand new MINI to help us raise much needed funds for our Centenary Village development which will help improve the lives of many veterans for years to come.
Our amazing community up and down the country have been holding Tommy Teas to raise money for RBLI, come rain or shine
Not only was there an incredible cake sale spread, but they got creative with games of bingo, a ‘his and hers’ swear jar and raffle prizes. Friends Martin and Louise bringing their Willy’s Jeep out in the rain really was the cherry on top!
One such fundraiser who battled the horrendous rain and lashing wind was Jacky, who held a Tommy Tea with her friends and family. They kept calm and carried on in true British style, raising over £160!
Thank you all that attended and to Jacky for organising such a fabulous day - the team at RBLI are feeling a bit envious... looking forward to next year’s invite...!
HOST YOUR OWN TOMMY TEA
Will you host a Tommy Tea party to help an injured veteran get back into work this summer? We have a fundraising toolkit and our brilliant team all here and ready to help you! Register your Tea Party and get everything you need at rbli.co.uk/TommyTea
STEVE SHERRY CMG OBE Chief Executive, RBLI
The prize is a brand new MINI 3-Door Hatch, equivalent to the vehicle shown above (colour may vary). You must be over 18 to enter and live in England, Wales or Scotland. See full terms & conditions at rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/ car-raffle-terms-and-conditions
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EVENTS
EV ENTS T O M M Y R A C E S T O V I C T O R Y T O S U P P O R T V E T E R A N S ’ M E N TA L H E A LT H
OVER 500 TOMMY CLUB HEROES TAKE ON VIRTUAL RACE TO VICTORY
April 2021: ‘Team Tommy’ ran and cycled more than 800 miles, from Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Glasgow, arriving at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company in Kent on VE Day. En route, the team stopped at cities and key military locations, presenting specially-made VE Day Tommy figures made by injured veterans, to notable members of the local military community. The team, which included RBLI’s Chief Executive, Steve Sherry CMG OBE, also carried a specially-made silver Tommy soldier figure, as a sign of national unity in the run up to the anniversary of the end of the war in Europe. Tommy’s Race to Victory challenge was borne out of last year’s muted celebrations of the 75th anniversary of VE Day, as well as recent research conducted by RBLI revealing the impact the pandemic had had on military veterans. 14
The study found that 1 in 10 veterans feel that their mental health has been significantly impacted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 30% of those polled identified social isolation and loneliness as the biggest factor contributing to their declining mental health, whilst nearly a third (27.5%) of veterans also said their alcohol consumption increased at this time. Former Head of the British Army, Lord Dannatt, who is also President of RBLI’s Tommy Club, feels that the nation must make every effort to make up for last year’s lost celebrations, whilst also recognising the challenges the veteran community have faced over the past year.
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Lord Dannatt said:
The Race to Victory is a fantastic way to showcase our great nation’s community spirit that was so powerful in 1945, and continues to be today. And all the while raising vital funds for RBLI, who for more than 100 years have provided a home to military veterans and the crucial employment opportunities they need to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
YOU RAISED
£49.2K We challenged you to go the distance for Tommy Club... AND YOU DID! 561 members of Team Tommy ran, walked, wheeled and even rowed. Together you covered an incredible 16,000 kilometres — more than 15 times the length of the UK! On behalf of our Armed Forces Community, we would like to say a huge THANK YOU. Your incredible dedication to take care of veterans of all ages is just fantastic.
The whole Tommy family have been inspiring and supportive to each other and I have loved following everyone’s updates. I have really enjoyed this challenge and I am proud to take part and I will continue to support RBLI. Hopefully this is my first challenge of many! V is for Victory. JANE Race to Victory participant
WHY IT MATTERS With 2.4 millions veterans in the UK, the need for support is greater than ever. Since the pandemic started, RBLI has continued to provide crucial accommodation, employment, advice and financial support to people in great need. Every penny raised by #TeamTommy enables us to keep supporting veterans and military families in need.
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SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST
JASMINE’S STORY
NEW VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR SBMC VETERANS
MILITARY WIFE LOCKS DOWN WITH SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST
Displaced by the pandemic, Fijian Jasmine joined Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company to play a central part in operations.
The former maths teacher, who worked in a secondary school on her home island for 17 years, was in the UK in November 2019 to spend time with her injured husband – an SBMC employee and veteran of Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots). Then, as the country was plunged into lockdown, it became impossible for Jasmine to return to her home in the South Pacific. Jasmine got in touch with SBMC to apply for a role at the heart of the factory’s supply and dispatch centre. Since March 2021, as one of SBMC’s first military family members to join the team, Jasmine has played a central part in supporting the factory’s operations, ensuring that its products are sent out in a timely fashion to a wide array of customers.
I am very fortunate to have the chance to work at Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. I am really enjoying my time here and to have the opportunity to learn a whole new set of skills. JASMINE
CHARITABLE TRUST HELPS TO FUND NEW EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAMME. Enabled through funding from the Forces In Mind Trust, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (SBMC) has reached a significant milestone in its ongoing development plan to ensure military veterans are given the employment opportunities they need to lead fulfilling and independent lives. The Glasgow social enterprise has received confirmation that it can deliver SQA accredited qualifications in manufacturing for its team of ex-service personnel.
Led by a fully-accredited vocational trainer, the project will see SBMC’s exservicemen and women gain recognised qualifications in manufacturing through flexible plans tailored to their individual needs. These qualifications will range from signmaking, warehousing and manufacturing operations. The trainer will also provide the programme’s participants with vital support aiding their career progression such as interview and CV writing skills.
UNIVERSITY SET TO EVALUATE THE IMPACT OF QUALIFICATIONS A team at Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) led by Occupational Therapist Shirley MorrisonGlancy will conduct an independent evaluation to examine the impact of attaining a recognised SQA qualification on long-term job prospects, confidence levels, work readiness, employability and the mental health of participants.
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company has quickly become a standout example of social enterprise in Scotland. We need fresh approaches like this more than ever as we recover from the Covid-19 health and economic crisis. CHARLIE WALLACE Scottish Veterans Commissioner
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RIDE WITH A VETERAN
FOUNDING PATRON
150-MILE CHARITY BIKE RIDE INSPIRES ALL AGES AND ABILITIES
FIRSTPORT CHIEF EXECUTIVE , NIGEL HOWELL , PAYS RBLI A VISIT
“I’m doing all I can to support the ride,” he said. “It’s such a good cause. The money is urgently needed to help veterans who have done so much for our country.” Mike served his country for 22 years in Germany, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Canada and Singapore. His medals salute his time with the United Nations, good conduct and length of service. July 2021: An 80-year-old Chelsea Pensioner was among 50 cyclists who took on the challenge which is well on its way to raising £50,000 for RBLI. Former Royal Engineer, Mike Atkinson was the oldest cyclist on Royal British Legion Industries’ ‘Ride with a Veteran’ which kicked off from the RBLI Village. 18
He cycles regularly in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, and before Covid-19, pedalled regularly to Richmond Park. “I’ve been riding every day and love it.”
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The two-day challenge, finished at the iconic National Cyclists Memorial in Meriden, West Midlands, where the riders gathered to lay wreaths and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
It was a hugely successful event in challenging times and, thanks to the wonderful team of cyclists who support us, it was a memorable occasion. PENNY DYSON Event organiser and Tommy Club Founding Patron
As the country continued to open up from lockdown, RBLI proudly reopened its doors to welcome customers, potential donors and friends of the charity to showcase what we’ve been doing to support those most in need over the past 18 months.
He saw first-hand how construction is progressing on our new assisted living scheme, which will sit amongst modern apartments and family homes for veterans and their families.
These visits, which follow strict hygiene and social distancing practices, are our opportunity to gain further support for our work. One such visit was Nigel Howell, Chief Executive of award-winning residential property management company FirstPort (UK), who came to see first-hand the work we have been doing to support those most in need.
It was fantastic to see the invaluable support that RBLI offers to our veterans. I met with some incredible people who lived, worked and received support all from the RBLI Village. They have big plans for the future as they look to grow so they can support even more veterans. All of our support, be it donations or purchasing products from their online store will help them in helping more veterans than ever before.
Nigel was welcomed to Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, to meet the team of veterans and people with disabilities who are busy creating a range of products from road and rail signs through to hedgehog houses and planters for the garden. We also showed Nigel the latest developments in our dementia facilities and the expansion of our Centenary Village which will support hundreds more of the country’s most vulnerable veterans every year.
Nigel commented:
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BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS
TOMMIES ACROSS THE NATION
EXETER DIVISION PRESENTED WITH COVETED TOMMY AWARD
BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS PLACE TOMMIES ON 300 SITES
A handmade Tommy figure was presented to Barratt Developments’ Exeter team, in recognition of their continued support, particularly through the challenges of the pandemic. The Exeter team commissioned the RBLI factory to create many of the signs they use on developments across the Devon, Cornwall and Somerset regions. Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) has now supplied more than 1,000 items, including signs, stickers, flags and even flagpoles, to Barratt Homes sites across the South West. The award was made by former Welsh Guard veteran Steve Hammond, who sustained life-changing injuries when serving on the Sir Galahad during the Falklands war and now works at BBMC.
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Steve said: “We’re incredibly proud to be working with Barratt Developments making signs for their sites. It gives me and the whole team a real sense of purpose. They have been incredibly supportive of our work over recent years – particularly during the pandemic – so we wanted to show our appreciation with this award. Our Tommy figure is a real symbol of military support, so we see no more fitting gift to show our thanks.” David Thomas, Barratt Developments’ Chief Executive, commented: “I am delighted to accept this award from RBLI on behalf of our Exeter division. We have a very close relationship
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with RBLI as the work they do is so important and helps to make a real difference to people who have given so much. It’s an honour for them to have given us this award, made by Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.” Barratt Developments has also supported RBLI through its Tommy Club campaign, having become its first corporate patron by donating £100,000 and purchasing 300 full size Tommy figures to show their support.
To mark their patronage of Tommy Club and show their incredible commitment to veteran support, Barratt Developments erected over 300 Unknown Tommies in their developments UK-wide for VE Day.
RBLI Chief Executive Steve Sherry CMG OBE voices his thoughts on why Barratt Developments are a shining example of corporate sector suppor for the veteran community. Barratt Developments have time and time again shown their sincere commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community, whether it’s with their own veteran support policies or their generous giving practices. Whilst those of us in the Third Sector work tirelessly to lead the conversation on veteran support, for the private sector to join that discussion, ultimately organisations have to take that first step and stand up and be counted.
Their championing of Tommy Club, which will form a basis of support for our country’s veterans for years to come, is a clear indication of their long-term support of our country’s heroes. We cannot thank Barratt Developments enough for their ongoing patronage, and together we will continue to improve the lives of military veterans and their families.
Barratt Developments is without doubt such an organisation — they are a true leader in the private space when it comes to the support of the military community.
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EV ENTS
EVENTS
ARE YOU LIMBERING UP FOR THE TOMMY 10K?
REMEMBRANCE EVENTS
T10K START DATE
14 Oct 21 LOCATION
On your own or attend one of 17 locally organised events TOMMY CLUB CHAMPIONS... We challenge you to walk, run or wheel to raise over £100 and earn your SILVER badge for the next year. We’re calling on all Tommy Club Champions to support our latest event - The Tommy 10k. Raise over £100 to become a Silver Champion for the next year, meaning you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to our annual garden party and other events. Walk, run, or wheel - take part alone or with friends. It’s FREE to take part, all we ask is that you set up a fundraising page and share with your friends and family. You will also receive a FREE Tommy 10k Technical T- shirt and the opportunity to join our Facebook community of other people taking part in the event.
CHOOSE YOUR CHALLENGE
CORPORAL 10k in one month
PARATROOPER/ COMMANDO 10k per week for four weeks
The Tommy 10k is open to all ages – children and families are welcome to take part and you can walk, run, wheel, cycle, scoot or even rollerblade your way through the 10k distance.
SIGN UP TODAY !
rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/tommy-10k
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SPECIAL FORCES 10k per day for 10 days (100k total)
Special ways the Tommy Club will be commemorating over the Remembrance period. 29TH OCTOBER
30TH OCTOBER
Lambeth Palace Garden Open Day
Leyton Orient Match in aid of Tommy Club
Lambeth Palace is finally able to reopen their gardens and the Tommy Club is incredibly lucky to be supporting this open day in October. Over 800 members of the public are expected to attend and view an exciting Tommy display, with all proceeds supporting our vital work. We can’t wait to see you there.
This special match against Hartlepool, featuring the traditional minute silence and fundraising ahead of Remembrance, is especially poignant due to the Club’s close links to the Armed Forces. Fans can expect to meet some of our veteran volunteers taking collections and watch a military band perform, all in aid of the Tommy Club.
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PIERS STORIE-PUGH FOUNDING PATRON TELLS HIS FATHER’ S INCREDIBLE STORY
Another failed escape: Peter Storie-Pugh (middle) with two Dutch PoWs. The photo was taken by the German camp photographer to prove to Berlin how well they were doing to stop escapes from Colditz.
Founding Patron, Piers Storie-Pugh, tells the story of his father, a persistent escapee from Colditz and the inspiration behind his extensive work to support veterans today. Piers Storie-Pugh OBE, is a public speaker, architect of the ‘Heroes Return’ Scheme for veterans and former Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten Association. This is the story of his father, Peter StoriePugh, a huge inspiration to him and one of the reasons for his unwavering support of Armed Forces veterans and the Tommy Club. Peter Storie-Pugh was at Queen’s College Cambridge when war was declared in 1939. Commissioned into the 6th (Territorial Battalion) The Royal West Kent Regiment, he went to France with the British Expeditionary Force in 1940 and was very soon in action against a major German armoured thrust. 24
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At the Battle of Doullens near Arras he was severely wounded, awarded the Military Cross and taken as a prisoner to Bapaumne. He escaped but was quickly recaptured and taken to Spangenburg Castle. He escaped again; made it to a local railway station where he was recaptured trying to board a train. Having been beaten up he was taken under heavy guard to Colditz Castle near Leipzig; a special secure PoW camp for persistent escapees. Despite twenty one attempts to escape from Colditz, including through the sewers, by digging into a disused attic in the German quarters and attempting to get onto the very high roof of the Castle, he was destined to remain a prisoner until liberated by the Americans on 16 April 1945.
Then and Now: Piers visits the sewer manhole cover in the canteen at Colditz, used by his father during his first serious escape attempt in 1941.
For these attempts and other bad behaviour he was constantly being sent to solitary confinement. He devised a code for messages, based on his house number (9) at Malvern, which were sent to MI9 via his father; and MI9 used his same code in reply for four years undetected. Whilst in Colditz Peter completed his BA in Humanities which he had started at Cambridge, with fellow officers acting as invigilators and the German postal system guaranteeing safe delivery!! The Times obituary described him as ‘’a cheerful PoW who worked tirelessly to enable others to escape’’. Not a bad epitaph. He was awarded an MBE (for gallantry) for his activities in Colditz and for many years he gave lectures on his experiences. Following the war, Peter Storie-Pugh returned to Cambridge where he gained a First (he said ‘’it wasn’t that I was clever but rather that I had years in Colditz in which to study’’); he went on to qualify as a veterinary surgeon and became a Don in veterinary science at Cambridge.
He also continued to serve in the Territorial Army commanding 1st Battalion The Cambridgeshire Regiment, amalgamated battalions to command 1st Battalion The Suffolk & Cambridgeshire Regiment and was appointed Deputy Commander 161 Infantry Brigade (famous for the Defence of Kohima), finally becoming Commandant of the Cambridgeshire & Huntingdonshire Army Cadet Force. In addition to lecturing in veterinary science he was appointed President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons for which he was made a CBE in 1981. He was appointed a UK representative to the European Parliament until his retirement to France where he died in 2011, aged 92. Piers Storie-Pugh continues to tell his father’s story having followed in a similar career in the Army. He soon hopes to continue to give his lectures; one of course being his father's story in Colditz. His presentations are all designed to support charities in their fundraising endeavours.
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THE VILLAGE REFLECTS
FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE AWARDS
GARDEN OPENS TO REMEMBER LOST LOVED ONES DURING COVID-19
CEREMONY SAYS THANK YOU TO CARERS
August 2021: The Village holds a poignant ceremony to open our Garden of Reflection, a space dedicated to quiet contemplation in memory of those we have lost during the Covid-19 pandemic. We were honoured to be joined by family members and carers to officially open the Garden of Reflection on the RBLI Village in memory of loved ones lost over the last 18 months during the pandemic. As the country and our community begins to move forward from the pandemic which has changed so much for us all over the course of almost two years, here at the RBLI village, we feel that now is the right time to reflect on how we as a community have been affected. The pandemic changed the course of daily life for us all and meant that the way our community functioned had to change too. Although we did our best to ensure we were there for everyone, there have been times that we were unable to do this in the way that truly reflects the love, care, and compassion we have for our community. It was with regret that we were sadly not able to celebrate the
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lives of loved ones, or express how thankful we are to have welcomed them into our RBLI family. The Garden offers a place of reflection for every member of the RBLI community and is open year-round as a place to come together and celebrate the lives of our dear friends, each sorely missed by us all. They represent the great generation whose sacrifice will not be forgotten. They were pillars of our community, each contributing to make our village one of compassion, care, support and friendship. We are proud to say that they are forever part of the RBLI Community.
The Garden of Reflection ceremony also provided an opportunity to present some more Florence Nightingale awards to RBLI’s wonderful carers who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic. Awards were presented by RBLI trustee, Nadra Ahmed OBE DL, who also serves as Chair of the National Care Association. She said:
This has been one of the most challenging times in our history. We have watched our care staff go through this pandemic at a pace of learning and support that is simply unprecedented. And at no point have they let down those they support. RBLI’s Thank You campaign, and its Florence Nightingale award, is a truly fitting tribute to those who have battled on the front lines of Covid-19 in support of others
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WOMEN IN WAR RBLI’ S NEW CAMPAIGN RECOGNISES WOMEN’ S VITAL CONTRIBUTION
A NEW FIGURE REPRESENTS FEMALE VETERANS , PAST AND PRESENT
Veteran Steve Hammond from Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company presents the first Women In War figure to 98-year-old Betty Webb, a former Bletchley Park codebreaker.
A Bletchley Park codebreaker was the first recipient of a new military figure made by injured veterans as part of a national campaign recognising the efforts of women’s service in the Armed Forces.
RBLI’s new campaign, ‘Women in War’ aims to highlight the efforts of women during times of conflict and is represented by a new figurine of a saluting servicewoman, made by veterans in our social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. The first to receive the figure was 98-year-old Charlotte ‘Betty’ Webb. At just 18, she joined WW2 codebreaking centre Bletchley Park to help intercept and crack German war messages. Betty, who recently received France’s highest military honour the Legion d’Honneur, accepted the figure on behalf of Bletchley
Park, which saw women from across the Armed Forces and civilians play a vital role in the British war effort. The figure was presented by Steve Hammond from Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, a veteran who sustained life-changing injuries during the Falklands war. “The contribution of the women at Bletchley Park was unbelievable and it is still felt to this day”, Said Steve. “What we hope this campaign can do is give servicewomen everywhere the recognition they deserve – whilst also raising vital funds for veterans through RBLI.”
RBLI’s ‘Women in War’ campaign has received widespread support from military and veteran organisations. Major General Sharon Patricia Nesmith, the first woman to command a British Army brigade, said:
Together we will honour them, and with RBLI, we will be there for all our women veterans – from past, present and future service - at their time of need.
Rebecca Foy, Director of Public Engagement at Bletchley Park Trust, also praised the campaign:
We are delighted that one of our veterans was able to receive RBLI’s ‘Women in War’ figure on behalf of all the women who worked for Bletchley Park, both here and overseas. It’s great to see their work recognised, and those of all the women who have served through the armed forces and civilian roles.
The campaign’s iconic female figure is now available to purchase via the Tommy Club online shop. Every penny raised through their sale goes directly to support RBLI’s welfare, accommodation, and employment services for military veterans and their families.
To purchase a Women in War figure and to find out more about the campaign, visit rbli.shop/collections/women-in-war
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TOM M Y CLUB N EWS I S PR I N G 2021
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ROYAL BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE RBLI VILLAGE? Located near Aylesford in Kent, we’ve been here, since 1919, when we converted Preston Hall to support veterans returning from the battlefields of WW1. Today, we provide a full care pathway from high dependency care to fully independent homes, helping veterans to live in a supportive community where we also focus on offering employment, health and wellbeing activities and financial support.
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NEW RADIO CAMPAIGN SHARES REAL-LIFE EXPERIENCES In Spring of 2021, The Tommy Club embarked on its first ever media campaign which was made possible thanks only to the overwhelming financial support from a Founding Patron. Stretching over six weeks, radio adverts beamed across South Eastern and London airwaves featuring the voices of four RBLI veterans, who each have a powerful real-life story to tell about how they have benefitted from the Tommy Club.
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RBLI VETERANS TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES
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Together, they not only helped to spread the word of the Tommy Club to new Champions, but also provided an opportunity for vulnerable military veterans to get in touch. Thanks to the campaign, the Tommy Club has continued to grow and military veterans who previously had nowhere to turn, are getting the help they need from RBLI.
PAUL
PETER
Having served as a Royal Marines Commando, Paul came to RBLI needing emergency accomodation after he was medically discharged. He recently moved into the our new state-of-the-art apartments.
Army veteran Peter, started with RBLI as a volunteer but became a resident after a health problem left him in need of ongoing physical support. He lives in Queen Elizabeth Court, RBLI’s assisted living quarters.
GEORGE
TONY
George (90), a fiercely independent former Royal Marine, took some persuading to try assisted living after living alone for many years. He now believes moving to the RBLI Village was the best decision he ever made!
Tony found a second career after the Army with Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. A gifted craftsman, Tony is involved in designing and making our wooden garden products.
A S N I PPE T F R O M PAU L’ S B R OA D CA ST:
1. Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company The heart of our village, our social
enterprise employing veterans and people with disabilities.
2. Base Camp Café A social hub, where the cakes are delicious and anyone is welcome.
3. Gavin Astor House & Appleton Lodge Our luxury care home facilities.
4. Garden of Honour & Wall of Honour With a view of Preston Hall where the roots of our charity began, this is a place of tranquillity perfect for reflection and community events.
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5. RBLI Veteran Apartments Independent living for veterans of all ages and abilities.
6. Queen Elizabeth Court Our assisted living quarters for veterans.
7. Mountbatten Pavilion Our short term
accommodation for veterans who need a fresh start at independent living.
8. Family Accommodation Veteran family accommodation.
9. Capel Morris Centre Our sports hall and
My name’s Paul and I was a Royal Marines Commando, and had a career that fell just short of 22 years. I was medically discharged in 2017 with severe PTSD and poor mobility, due to my service. I came to RBLI the day I left and was put into emergency accomodation. Later on I moved into independent living and RBLI put me on to the other support networks I needed to get through the difficult times.
conference suites for the community.
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THE GRAPEVINE
THE GRAPEVINE
SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY
LET ’ S HEAR IT FOR THE PAULS!
NEW BOOKS FOR OUR RESIDENTS, THANKS TO GORDON AND RAY Tommy Club Champion, Ray Pass, had a special delivery for the guys in Mountbatten, our emergency accommodation, in May. When his best mate, an ex 29 Commando of 10 years and policeman of 25 years, very sadly passed away earlier this year, Ray still had a box of brand new books he had bought him for Christmas. Ray thought that the books would be really appreciated by the Village residents here at RBLI – and he was right! Another big thank you to Tommy Club Champion, Gordon Jenkins, who kindly travelled to our village to donate a whole collection of books for us to share across our village community. When the Sovereign Rotary Club were contacted by Morrisons, offering to donate some brand new books, Gordon immediately thought of RBLI, knowing we have over 300 veterans and their families living on our village. Thanks to kind donations from Gordon and Ray, our library has suddenly expanded and we know they will be much enjoyed by veterans and their families.
CHAMPION CHRIS GOES SOFT FOR TOMMY CLUB! Chris Jepson, our Great Tommy Sleep Out Star and Tommy Club Champion, created this amazing builda-bear and raffled it off online to raise money for RBLI. Selling the the tickets for £2 each, he had over 50 people buy tickets in just five days! Chris organised everything himself and roped in friend, Andrea, to help with the sewing — so creative and what cute little bears! Two bears were raffled and the first lucky winner was Anne-Marie, another Sleep Out participant whose son Joshua you may recognise from RBLI’s social media pages (he slept outside for almost 2 months)! The second bear was raffled off online and to Chris’ work colleague, raising over £250 in the end! Chris is already on to his next mission; working with a local Brewery on the first Tommy Club fundraising beer. We can’t wait! Thank you so much for your support Chris.
This is an amazing community, to feel you are making a difference, no matter how small, gives an enormous sense of pride. No veteran or their family should be put at a disadvantage due to their service to this country. 32
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WELL DESERVED MEDAL FOR TOMMY CHAMPION, PAUL WRATTEN We popped into our Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company factory to award one of our wonderful Champions with a well deserved medal. Paul Wratten recently took part in Tommy’s Race to Victory and raised a fantastic total of £179 for RBLI. Paul is a fantastic example of why the Tommy Club is so important. When chatting, he said:
Working at RBLI Aylesford I get to see the great work this wonderful organisation achieves in helping ex-service personnel, so in taking part in the fundraising events and being in the Tommy Club, not only do I raise funds for this great cause, I also get to meet some truly wonderful people along the way.
VOLUNTEER PAUL TAIT GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND A HUGE thank you to our amazing long-time supporter Paul Tait for volunteering at two events this year. Badge and flag in hand, Paul cheered on our Tommy Relay Team for VE Day, at the end of a particularly hard day or cycling and running. What a morale boost it was to see a friendly face! On Sunday 1st August Paul then travelled to the London Landmarks Half Marathon. After helping us set up our cheer station, he joined in the noise to make sure our runners had all the support they needed to get over that finish line. It was such a great day and Paul made it even more special by cheering on our runners with the upmost enthusiasm. Our whole team can’t thank him enough for everything he does for us and his fellow veterans!
PAU L’ S S M O K I N G H OT F U N D R A I S E R FO R A R M E D FO R C E S DAY Well done to Tommy Club Champion Paul Martin, who joined the Biker Veterans Ride of Remembrance and the Suffolk Armed Forces Community at Hangar 53 in Colchester to run a BBQ for the whole day, raising over £160 for RBLI. Superstar fundraiser, Paul, has already raised over £1,700 for RBLI and we are hugely grateful. Thank you to everyone involved in this event for all your hard work. WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING ON THE GRAPEVINE? So many Tommy Club Champions that have gone above and beyond and we’d love to feature as many of your stories as possible here. If you’d like to submit a story to the Grapevine, please email it to tommyclub@rbli.co.uk. Don’t forget to include pictures! TOM M Y CLU B N EWS I AUTUM N 2021
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THE SALTY SAPPERS
UPCOMING EVENTS
FINAL COUNTDOWN FOR THE INTREPID OCEAN ROWING TEAM
JOIN #TEAMBRAVE AND RAISE FUNDS FOR TOMMY CLUB
TOMMY 10K
In our last Tommy Club magazine, we introduced you to the Salty Sappers and their ocean rowing boat ‘Victory’ – the first ever Tommy Club branded boat! With less than eight weeks to go before they begin an epic attempt to row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic, we catch up with their final preparations.
The team consists of four serving Sappers: one Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO), a Warrant Officer and two Officers. All have a varied background in adventurous undertakings and together they will make for one mighty engine room!
During the challenge the team will need to row non-stop for up to five weeks, adopting a testing two-hours-on, twohours-off rotation. They will face sea-sickness, fatigue, blisters and the extreme conditions of the Atlantic Ocean, where the waves can reach up to 40 feet.
Over the summer, the Sappers have undergone extensive training during the build up to their race, including mandatory training in sea survival, seamanship, navigation and maritime communications. This training will ensure the crew can operate and maintain the boat’s communication and navigation equipment as well as the life saving ‘water maker’ desalination unit.
The Sappers will be competing against 18 other four-person teams, including a team of U.S. Army veterans and four RAF pilots.
In July the team had some tough training in the English Channel. Despite battling strong headwinds and poor visibility, they successfully circumnavigated the Isle of Wight in just over 15 hours.
We know 2020/21 have been monster years, but we appreciate all that you might be able to donate. We promise that we will pay you back in sweat and effort! JOSH, TIM, CHRIS W AND CHRIS H The Salty Sappers
Support the Salty Sappers by donating at:
justgiving.com/fundraising/Salty-Sappers All donations made via this link will go straight to RBLI
The Salty Sappers will depart mid-December as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. Visit taliskerwhiskyatlanticchallenge.com to watch the live start and download the race tracker.
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Event date:
14th October 2021
Location:
Various across the UK
Sign Up:
rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/tommy-10k
Run, walk or wheel your way through October for our Tommy 10K event. Choose from three challenges and several locations - or you can do it alone . Read more about it on page 22!
S KYD I VE FO R VE T E R A N S Event date:
13th November 2021
Location:
Various across the UK
Sign Up:
rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/skydive
A spectacular way to remember the fallen and raise money for the veterans of today and tomorrow. For this thrill-of-a-lifetime experience, you will jump from over 10,000 ft as part of a tandem skydive. You will also receive a commemorative t-shirt for the day and a big pat on the back from us!
LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON 2022 Event date:
3rd April 2022
Location:
London
Sign Up:
rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/llhm
Join our largest ever team for this event! Run or jog around central London with an incredibly supportive group of runners, enjoying all the best sights and an amazing atmosphere. You’ll also receive an RBLI vest to wear with pride, and our support to achieve your fundraising target.
U LT R A E V E N T RBLI is proud to be an event partner of the Ultra Challenge Series, one of the UK’s biggest mass participation series of events. Choose from events, such as: Peak District Challenge
London 2 Brighton Challenge
Cotswold Way Challenge
Thames Path Challenge
Jurassic Coast Challenge
South Coast Challenge
Thames Bridges Trek Sign Up: rbli.co.uk/fundraising-upcoming-events
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THE TOMMY CLUB SHOP PRODUCTS MADE BY VETERANS — FOR VETERANS
Tommy United £39.99
Personalised Remembrance Tommy £34.99
Wall-mounted metal Tommy £66.99
Garden Tommy medium £74.99
YOUR EXCLUSIVE TOMMY CLUB DISCOUNT Enter ‘TOMMYCLUB’ at the checkout to receive your 10% members discount.
Unknown Tommy £175.00
Tommy Remembrance 2021 Tommy lapel pin £9.99
Tommy tumbler £24.99
Tommy lapel pin (5 pack) £12.00
Tommy tankard £29.99
Tommy Cufflinks £27.99
Tommy Silhouette Tealight Holder £33.00
Plant Pot Tommy Outline £33.00
Tommy Projection Tealight Holder £35.00
Plant Pot Tommy Solid £33.00
VISIT US ONLINE TO SEE THE FULL COLLECTION AT RBLI.SHOP REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: England & Wales 0210063. Scotland SC048795.
