Events - Tommy Club Official Launch

Since its inception in line with the centenary of the end of the First World War, the Tommy has come to not only represent those who gave their lives in conflicts gone by, but also the evergrowing need to support the veterans of today, both young and old.

In October 2020, General The Lord Dannatt officially launched the Tommy Club, with celebrity antique expert, Raj Bisram and Olympian, Heather Stanning OBE, attending an event alongside military veterans supported by RBLI on our Kent village.

To mark the occasion a 10-ft version of RBLI’s iconic Tommy figure – the biggest in the figure’s history – which was made by veterans in RBLI’s Scottish social enterprise, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, was unveiled.

Throughout lockdown, injured veterans working in RBLI’s social enterprise factories have raised more than £1 million for their fellow ex-service personnel through the manufacture and sale of Tommy figures.

Almost 30,000 10-inch Tommies were sold for last year’s 75th celebrations of VE Day and VJ Day, with every penny raised going directly to support veterans and their families through our range of employment, housing and welfare services.

Tommy Club Founding President General The Lord Richard Dannatt, GCB, CBE, MC, DL. said: “Over recent years, the Tommy figure has become a truly national icon of veteran support, whether that’s for the many thousands around the UK have who bought one, or the injured veterans producing them in RBLI’s social enterprise.

The challenges of this year have affected us all and each of us face uncertainty. But what is certain is that the brave servicemen and women who served our country should not be left behind as the challenges continue.

It is crucial that they are given the opportunities to work, to thrive, and to lead independent lives.

This is what the Tommy Club can provide.”

The biggest Tommy ever made was unveiled at the launch event, attended by veterans, RBLI Village residents and Tommy Club Founding Patrons, including celebrity antique expert, Raj Bisram and Olympian, Heather Stanning OBE. Guests also received a tour of Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, where they were presented with their Tommy Club welcome packs.

I have long been a supporter of RBLI in their commitment to our country’s most vulnerable military veterans. I have seen time and time again, ex-servicemen and women regain their independence through its community, vital welfare support and the practical work opportunities that see them flourish in the civilian world.

Major Heather Stanning OBE Team GB Olympic gold medallist and Tommy Club Founding Patron