TOMMY
Spring 2022
SPECIAL JUBILEE EDITION
Honouring Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, celebrating 70 years of service MORE IN THIS ISSUE:
• The Falklands: Commemorating 40 years
• The Queen’s Green Canopy
How you are making an impact
Every day we are helping vulnerable people overcome unemployment, mental health challenges, illness, injury and homelessness.
GENERAL THE LORD DANNATT GCB, CBE, MC, DL Tommy Club President
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, chatting to Royal Marines veteran, George Bradford, whilst visiting Royal British Legion Industries in 2019.
Foreword
BY GENERAL THE LORD DANNATT GCB, CBE, MC, DL TOMMY CLUB PRESIDENT
Dear Champions,
Welcome to the Spring 2022 edition of the Tommy Club magazine.
This is a distressing time in the world and all of us are thinking of Ukraine, their soldiers, all their people who have been forced to become soldiers, and the most vulnerable people who are trapped. It is a terrifying reality.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continuing support of the Tommy Club. The power of community must be stronger now than ever – our veterans will always have their past comrades and present community. They should never have to feel alone. They should never find themselves with nobody to share their reactions and thoughts – least of all when they are seeing all this on their screens. This is why I am so proud of the Tommy Club, all that it achieves, as well as all that it offers. As the destruction unfolds we are more conscious of the sacrifice our veterans have made and the realities of existing amid the chaos of war. It is not easy to process, so we must be alert and support
Remembering The Falklands. Steve Hammond, a veteran who now works at RBLI, was injured aboard RFA Sir Galahad, when the ship was bombed by an Argentinian air assault at Fitzroy on 8 June 1982. Read his story on page 13.
the veterans we think may be vulnerable. It reassures me at this time to know that all the Tommy Club Champions are out there doing great work; helping veterans know their service is valued.
Please remember that your support for the Tommy Club is achieving a great deal of practical help. Every day we are helping vulnerable people overcome unemployment, mental health crisis, illness, injury and homelessness. In 2021, we assessed and supported over 4,000 veterans and helped them towards recovery, paid work and more independent lives.
On top of this, your support and fundraising means we can invest in our veterans’ Village. We are improving our care home making it a new and leading dementia
care facility. We are building new apartments for homeless veterans to move on to. Even at the time when Covid movement restrictions were in place, we were able to support 22 homeless veterans into their own independent homes, immediately creating more space in our emergency accommodation to help even more rough sleepers.
We are achieving great things. As you will read in this issue, all the people taking part in this year’s Great Tommy Sleep Out have achieved more than we ever dreamed was possible. I can never thank you enough for all you do. Let’s keep going and support as many veterans as we can. I hope you will encourage your friends and family to join the Tommy Club and become a part of this journey with us.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
The Village prepares to celebrate a historic anniversary.
The Queen’s Green Canopy
Veterans from RBLI’s factories turn their skills to making official plaques for the Jubilee celebrations.
A Royal recipe for your Jubilee celebration
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart. The Falklands remembered
Find out how you can get involved and support Falklands veterans as we mark the 40th anniversary.
Tommy across the UK
Where could you spot a Tommy this summer? We reveal some of our favourite spots.
George, we salute you!
Meet the 91-year-old Royal Marines veteran and RBLI resident who is one of the Tommy Club’s biggest supporters.
News
latest from the Tommy Club. The Great Tommy Sleep Out
Over 12,000 sleep beneath the stars to show support and raise vital funds for veterans. Meet RBLI’s new Chief Executive
Having pioneered the Tommy Club, Lisa Farmer is stepping up to the next challenge.
Who’s visited the RBLI village recently?
delighted to welcome the latest visitors to Aylesford.
veterans village cafe and community hub reopens after lockdown. Gardening tips for a spectacular summer
Meet RBLI’s new Chief Executive
As the main driver of the team that developed the Tommy Club, Lisa Farmer talks about her hopes and aspirations to support veterans for many years to come.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
As
Green-fingered RBLI veteran, John Ahben reveals his top tips for a flourishing garden this summer.
The Falklands remembered 40 years on, we still need to support the veterans of 1982. Find out how you can get involved.
THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE
CELEBRATING 70 YEARS OF SERVICE
IThe Queen has supported RBLI’s work for a long time and now we are so proud to be helping celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Whether it’s by purchasing veteran made Queen’s Green Canopy Plaques, shop products produced and fulfilled by veterans and those with disabilities in our factories or hosting your own Tommy’s Jubilee Tea, I very much hope you join in the celebrations with us.
LISA FARMER Chief Executive
n 2022, Her Majesty The Queen, will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. The Queen has dedicated a record-breaking 70 years of service to the British public after ascending to the throne at only 25 years of age on 6th February 1952.
To mark this momentous occasion, we will be celebrating an extended bank holiday from Thursday 2nd June to Sunday 5th June. The four days of celebrations will include national moments of reflection and events to bring communities together throughout the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world.
Royal British Legion Industries are proud to announce that we will be hosting a special Beacon Lighting Ceremony on Thursday 2nd June. The special evening event will be held on the RBLI Village in Aylesford and feature live music performances, a chance to sample the special Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart and will finish with the lighting of our beacon at 9.45pm. See pages 9-10 for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart recipe!
Beacon Lighting Ceremony
2nd June
Tickets will be released soon. To register your interest and be one of the first to have access to this once in a lifetime event email Talia at fundraising@rbli.co.uk
TOMMY’S JUBILEE TEA
Celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style, RBLI are inviting you to take part in Tommy’s Jubilee Tea!
On Sunday 5th June people up and down the country will gather together for food, festivities and fundraising.
Early bird sign-ups for your exclusive Tommy’s Jubilee Tea fundraising pack full of fun facts, activities and Tommy’s Top Tips is available alongside exclusive Jubilee products made by RBLI’s veterans here: rbli.shop/collections/platinumjubilee-2022. Hurry they’re selling fast!
You can also register your interest in taking part in Tommy’s Jubilee Tea by emailing Talia at fundraising@rbli. co.uk
All funds raised from Jubilee products and Tommy’s Jubilee Tea fundraising will go directly to supporting veterans to access employment, training, homes and RBLI’s network of advice and support –many of the same veterans who met The Queen during her 2019 visit to RBLI will benefit from your support.
Local school children were among those eagerly waiting to greet The Queen on her visit to the Royal British Legion Industries Village in 2019.
The Queen meeting veterans and their families whilst visiting the site for RBLI’s new Centenary Village at Aylesford in Kent.
THE QUEEN’S GREEN CANOPY
VETERANS SUPPORTED BY THE TOMMY CLUB AT RBLI’S FACTORIES ARE COMMISSIONED TO MAKE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUES FOR THE OFFICIAL JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
RBLI is delighted to be one of only four suppliers of plaques for The Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC) – a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee by creating a living legacy across the United Kingdom. Everyone is invited to ‘Plant a Tree for the Jubilee’ and mark that tree using one of RBLI’s veteran made recyclable Corten steel plaques.
Made in RBLI’s social enterprise factories by military veterans and people with disabilities, the sale of these commemorative plaques was launched in November by Tommy Club Founding Patron and The Queen’s official representative, The Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain.
A long-time supporter of RBLI’s work, Lady Colgrain was joined by some of the veterans responsible for creating the QGC plaques to plant a Jubilee tree and mark the charity’s involvement in this special initiative.
Available in two sizes: 210mm x 297mm and 146.5mm x 210mm, these commemorative plaques are the perfect way to support this environmental cause, celebrate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and support veterans into employment at the same time!
Remember, there’s no minimum or maximum number of trees you can dedicate to this wonderful cause –so whether you’re looking to plant a tree in your back garden, a school, community space, business, or large area of land, you can get involved.
Go to www.rbli.shop/products/ queens-green-canopy-plaque to find out more or give us a call to discuss your requirements.
plants a
Lady Colgrain
commemorative tree alongside a Queen’s Green Canopy plaque made by RBLI’s veterans.
It was an honour to celebrate the tree planting ceremony alongside RBLI military veterans at the charity’s village.
The Queen’s Green Canopy project will have an unprecedented positive environmental impact, creating new areas of greenery across the UK which will last for generations to come.
But it is not only future generations who will benefit from this tremendous campaign. The project will see vital employment opportunities provided to disadvantaged veterans through RBLI’s wonderful work.
THE LORD-LIEUTENANT OF KENT
LADY COLGRAIN
Tommy Tea Jubilee Recipe Idea
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tart
A delicious tart with a patriotic heart, featuring ingredients representing all four nations of the UK: Cheddar Cheese Potatoes Smoked Salmon Leeks
You will need a 20 cm (8”) loose-bottom flan tin and baking beans.
Prep: 30-60 mins
Cook: 30-35 mins
Serves: 10
INGREDIENTS
PASTRY
140 g (5oz) plain flour
35 g (1oz) margarine
35 g (1oz) vegetable fat
About 1 tablespoons cold water
Or use ready-made shortcrust pastry
FILLING
100 g (4 oz) Smoked salmon (trimmings or chopped)
50 g (2 oz) leek
100g (4 oz) cooked potatoes
70g (2oz) Cheddar cheese (grated)
200 ml (7 fl oz) single cream
2 large eggs (beaten)
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Black pepper
Butter or oil
These quantities also make 18 small tarts using 8cm (3”) plain round cutter and lined patty tins.
When making small tarts there is no need to blind bake the cases first. Bake small tarts at 160� C Fan (Gas 4) for about 30 minutes until filling is set and golden.
COOKING FOR A JUBILEE PARTY?
Seven Platinum Jubilee Beacon Tarts will serve 70 guests.
Each tart represents a decade of Her Majesty’s reign.
Each slice represents a year of Her Majesty’s reign.
METHOD
1. To make pastry – place flour in bowl, add the fats and rub in lightly with fingertips until mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Add enough cold water to bind to a soft dough, knead briefly and shape into a ball. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Roll out the pastry and use to line the flan tin. Prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork.
4. Line pastry shell with foil and fill with baking beans. Place tin on a heated baking tray and bake in preheated oven at 200� C Fan (Gas 7) for 10 minutes, remove foil and baking beans, return to the oven for a further 10 minutes.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 160� C Fan (Gas 4).
6. Scrub potatoes and place in a pan of lightly salted boiling water to cook for 15 minutes. Drain and allow to cool before removing the skin and then slicing thinly.
7. Finely chop leek. Heat a little butter or oil in a small frying pan, add chopped leek to the pan and cook over a low to moderate heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until soft but not coloured - allow to cool.
8. Mix together cream, beaten eggs, chopped parsley and plenty of ground black pepper. Layer filling in pastry case; spread smoked salmon over base of tart followed by cooked leek and then 50 g (2 oz) grated cheese (keeping remaining 20g (3/4 oz) to sprinkle on top).
9. Top with thinly sliced cooked potatoes. Sprinkle remaining grated cheese over the top then gently pour cream and egg mixture in to the tart.
10. Bake in oven for 30 - 35 minutes until filling is set and golden. Serve cold.
40 YEARS
REMEMBERED
2ND April 1982 marked the start of a War that would be a defining moment in thousands of lives.
Lasting for 74 days and taking place 8,000 miles away from England, 255 British Armed Forces personnel lost their lives in the Falklands War, and countless others returned home with physical and mental wounds.
This year we mark 40 years since the end of the Falklands War, that saw military personnel from all three services come together in a combined task force.
The War ended on 14th June 1982, and a month later the last service personnel were repatriated into the UK – many needing support from military charities like RBLI to reestablish their lives.
Today, the Tommy Club continues to support veterans from the Falklands War – like Tommy Club Founding Patron, Steve Hammond. Read his story on page 13.
Royal Marines wait to go on patrol from Ajax Bay during the Falklands Conflict in 1982.
STEVE’S STORY
MEET THE INJURED FALKLANDS VETERAN WHO BUILT A NEW LIFE AT RBLI
Steve joined the 1st battalion of the Welsh Guards in 1977 and served in both Northern Ireland and the Falklands. In 1982, while serving in the Falklands War, Steve boarded the Sir Galahad. On 8th June that year, RFA Sir Galahad was struck. Steve was aboard and sustained life-changing injuries. 56 others lost their lives. Aged 32 in 1989, Steve was medically discharged from the Armed Forces.
With only a suitcase and his family, Steve returned to his hometown in Shropshire but found it hard to find work. Having spent 12 years in military service, he faced returning to civilian life with injuries that gave him a bleak chance of securing employment. Steve received more devastating news when he was told he was unable to have the operation needed on his leg, which he desperately needed to get back to work, until he was 55 years old. A long wait of over 15 years.
Facing the prospect of enduring well over a decade out of work, whilst also having a family to support, it was clear that Steve was in urgent need of help.
It was then that Steve found what he calls a life-line in Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI).
Immediately after making contact, he was invited for an assessment at the RBLI Village in Aylesford. RBLI was able to offer him and his family a house, and organised for his operation to take place within 6 weeks. They also offered him a job in Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMC) which would be waiting for him once he had fully recovered from his operation. Within 12 months he was back in work.
Today, Steve is an integral part of BBMC – he has developed his skills, helped to introduce new products and skills to the veteran workforce and supervised a team who create trackside signage for Network Rail and thousands of signs for UK roads each year. Now Steve leads the production of hoardings, sales signage, and banners for Barratt Developments.
RBLI is honoured to have helped a Falklands veteran like Steve, and to be able to continue supporting him today.
LEFT: Steve looking sharp in uniform with his proud Mum and Uncle back in 1977.
RIGHT: Today, Steve plays a vital role at RBLI, heading up a team at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.
Tommy Club Founding
As we mark 40 years since the end of the Falklands War, it is vital to remember the lives lost and the veterans that returned home in need of our support. Today, Falklands veterans still look to us to help them regain their independence, and with your support we can do just that.
Your Falklands Forty Challenge is to cover 40 miles during the month of May — any way you choose!
Designed to be accessible to all ages and abilities, you can challenge yourself to walk, run, cycle, swim or skate – it’s FREE to take part and you can take on the challenge alone or as part of a team. All we ask is that you aim to raise £150 per person.
MILES IN MAY?
Every penny raised will go directly to helping our veterans with accessible homes, training and employment, and giving them access to RBLI’s network of support ready to help them create a fulfilling and positive life after service.
Here to help at every step.
This really is a team effort! You’ll get access to our dedicated Facebook group, which is full of like-minded veterans, military families, and civilians proud to play their part. You’ll also be given our famous tips, tricks, and easy wins for taking on the challenge.
Plus, once you set up your fundraiser and get your first donation you’ll receive a FREE limited-edition
When?
1st – 31st May 2022
How far?
Cover 40 miles in May, whether it takes you two days, a week or is spread out over the month — it’s up to you.
Why?
Let’s show all our Falklands veterans we value their service.
Falklands Forty Challenge T-Shirt, AND if you hit your target, you’ll get a special thank you from our veterans.
We want as many people as possible to become a member of our Falklands Forty community as we commemorate this important anniversary.
Patron, Peter Ketley, leading a fitness session aboard MV Norland, en route to the Falkland Islands in 1982. As a young Captain with 2nd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, Peter fought at Goose Green and Wireless Ridge.
TOMMY ACROSS THE UK
Some of our favourite places to spot a Tommy or two!
ERSKINE, Renfreswhire
Many local men served in famous Scottish Regiments and suffered terrible casualties during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. Erskine House, formerly owned by the Earl of Mar became a hospital in 1916 and the town now plays host to a veteran’s village and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.
Our veterans at BBMC, using their honed signmaking skills, craft each Unknown Tommy out of an aluminium composite material. Being the same material that the nation’s road-signs are made from, the Tommies are built to stand proud and last for years to come.
Once the statue’s shape is cut, veteran Steve applies the vinyl sticker to each one, before the finishing touches are applied and our fulfilment team safely wraps them up before they are sent out across the country.
WILLASTON, Cheshire
In 1914, this small rural village on the Wirrall saw 148 residents leave to serve King and Country, 35 of whom would never return.
SHREWLEY, Warks
This small cluster of rural villages is a heartland of the ‘Pals’ Battalions. The war memorial in Hatton churchyard commemorates 30 comrades lost in WW1 from Hatton, Haseley, Shrewley and Beausale.
BLACKFRIARS, London
One of several Tommies that commemorate the thousands of railway workers who saw active service. It also helps us remember those who kept Britain’s railway network running with ammunition, troops and vital supplies.
THE KENT BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL TRUST, Hawkinge, Kent
Based at the famous RAF airfield, the museum tells the story of the darkest hours of the Battle of Britain through the world’s largest collection of memorabilia including artefacts from over 700 RAF and Luftwaffe aircraft.
LOUTH, Lincolnshire
WW1 and WW2 took a heavy toll on this old market town. Its fine War Memorial honours 286 armed forces casulaties, alongside 15 civilians killed in air raids.
AYLESFORD, Kent
The home of the RBLI village, Aylesford has been caring for ex-services personnel since 1919.
Tommy Club Founding Patron, George Bradford, joined as a Marine in 1948 and served for 27 years. Following his wife’s passing, George moved into our assisted living accommodation, Queen Elizabeth Court in 2016 and has become a Tommy Club ambassador around the UK.
George, we salute you!
Former Royal Marine, Tommy Club Founding Patron, and RBLI village resident, George Bradford, is a busy man.
Since moving to RBLI’s assisted living accommodation in February 2016, George, 91, has become a tremendous ambassador for the Tommy Club, appearing at highprofile events and raising vital funds for veterans.
He has also volunteered with local schools including an accredited learning programme for teenagers struggling with their reading and has become a fully qualified fitness instructor, providing chair fitness sessions for his fellow veterans.
Recently, he has even taken up magic with a view to developing a one-man show to entertain residents across the village!
George continuously astounds us with his efforts. Never one to miss an opportunity to fundraise, George went to Bristol to visit his son last year and spent every weekend in The Galleries Shopping Centre, collecting donations and selling some of our Tommy Club products. Over three weekends, George raised an incredible amount of over £2,000 for the Tommy Club.
As always, George gained a lot of fans and even reconnected with
a gentleman who he had not seen since defending a rubber plantation in Malaya in 1950. He had seen George’s name on RBLI’s Facebook post and made the trip to The Galleries to meet up with George for the first time in 71 years!
George was recently joined by Fellow Royal Marine veteran, David, and together the pair have been fundraising at local supermarkets. Since starting in December 2021, they have raised just over £8,000.
A massive thank you to George and David for their dedication and support. You are both absolute superstars!
TOMMY NEWS
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY
LEYTON ORIENT REMEMBRANCE MATCH
The fallen footballing heroes of Leyton Orient were remembered when veterans from Royal British Legion Industries and the Tommy Club joined the club’s spectators at a special Remembrance match on 30th October 2021.
In a short ceremony before the match at the Breyer Group Stadium, we commemorated the three former Leyton Orient (the O’s) players who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country during World War One.
Veterans, Steve Hammond, who was injured on the Sir Galahad during the Falklands, and George Bradford, a former Royal Marine, aged 91, marked the moment in the centre circle, alongside three Tommies, each named after a former player and produced by veterans in our factory.
Tommy Club Ambassador, Harry Kane, said: “It was incredibly powerful to see the veterans of the Tommy Club honour the three former Leyton Orient players who lost their lives.
The support for our veterans provided by the Tommy Club is needed now more than ever. They are changing lives every day and I’m delighted to champion their work supporting those who served our nation.”
OCTOBER 2021: LAMBETH PALACE REMEMBERS
A multi-faith service welcomed more than 100 guests to the first ever open-air service at the official London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The service featured an installation of 42 Tommies, to recognise those who have lost their lives in conflict in each of the Anglican Communion’s 42 provinces around the world.
Reverend Angus Aagaard, who led the service and is Chaplain to the 3rd Battalion Military Intelligence unit and an honorary Major in the Battalion, said: “This service recognised
that remembrance is a shared experience in communities around the world, both past and present.”
Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive, added: “We owe our thanks to Lambeth Palace for kindly hosting this wonderful event for us. It was an honour to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Archbishop’s representatives and faith leaders to recognise those who lost their lives, as well as those who needed help and support when they returned from conflict.”
Since hearing about the Tommy Club I have championed this fantastic charity in as many ways as possible.
STACY CLEGHORN
Runner and Tommy Club Gold Champion
LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON 2022
On 3rd April, the 2022 London Landmarks Half Marathon took place and #TeamBrave were out in full force.
65 incredible people took on the challenge, running through London past some of the UK’s most famous landmarks.
To support our runners, staff and volunteers cheered them along from our #TeamBrave cheer station, playing music and photographing the highlights. Runner, Stacy Cleghorn said: “I was a member of ‘Team Tommy’ cycling and running the length of the country. I have also supported RBLI at Lambeth Palace’s remembrance event. I am also honoured to have been awarded the Tommy Gold award of which I am extremely proud. When the chance came up to enter the LLHM I jumped
at the opportunity, however this time I thought I would make it a little more interesting and roped my husband Lee into it!”
“On the day, everyone was so supportive and encouraging, the atmosphere was electric. The Tommy Team always go above and beyond what is expected of them to make the runners/supporters feel welcomed and achieved. I love the Tommy Club and all that it stands for. If anything ever comes up where I am able to support I always do, you are made to feel like part of a family.”
Dave’s story
Following his RAF service, David sadly found himself homeless and sleeping on the streets.
After getting in touch with RBLI, he has quickly settled within our supportive veteran community and is planning for his future.
Lacking direction and with little prospect of gaining employment, David reached out to Royal British Legion Industries in the hope of finding a place to live and rebuilding his life.
Dave settled in very quickly and is one of many new residents at Mountbatten Pavilion (MBP) on RBLI’s Aylesford village. MBP is the charity’s emergency
accommodation for those veterans who are most in need of immediate support.
It is here that our veterans begin their journey back towards independence with RBLI. All veterans join the village’s holistic welfare programme, STEP-IN, which provides a tailored approach to supporting beneficiaries to overcome their own unique challenges.
David said: “So the support here has been great - each month is getting better and I’m looking forward to the future.
“I think it’s important to be involved in as many projects and adventures as possible. I’ve been creating the garden out the front of
Mountbatten Pavilion. I’ve been on camping trips, boat trips - it’s just been awesome for my confidence.”
Most recently, David has engaged in equestrian therapy along with six other Mountbatten Pavilion veterans. This activity is one of many which plays a central role in creating versatile welfare programmes for our veterans and which can re-build relationships and draw out vocational skills.
“Here at Mountbatten Pavilion, the support I have received has been immeasurable. I came from a very dark place. I was living on the street, taking a lot of abuse — it was a very sad time.”
The support I have received has been immeasurable. I came from a very dark place.
Dave is proud to be presenting his Tommy figure at former RAF station, RAF Biggin Hill, Kent.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out 2022
OVER 12,000 SLEEP BENEATH THE STARS TO SHOW SUPPORT AND RAISE VITAL FUNDS FOR VETERANS
A HUGE thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Great Tommy Sleep Out.
To date, over £300k has been raised by an amazing army of hardy individuals who gave up their comfort to sleep outdoors for a night in March.
Some braved a whole month under the stars, including two schoolboys and a Royal Logistics Corps veteran – read about Kermit’s Sleep Out challenge opposite.
One participant, Andrew Banks, took to the streets of Brigg in Lincolnshire with nothing but a cardboard box, a pillow and a sleeping bag. Despite being a martial arts instructor, Andrew felt very vulnerable – particularly when a fight broke out outside a bar nearby.
It is hard to imagine that so many of our nation’s heroes are forced into rough sleeping and face cold, danger and deprivation every day.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out is designed to raise funds and awareness for over 6,000 veterans that are experiencing homeless in the UK right now.
We are so grateful to everyone who gave up their comfort for this event. The money raised by the efforts of so many fantastic participants will help us to give more homeless veterans a roof over their heads.
Thanks to funds raised from The Great Tommy Sleep Out last year, more than 60% of the homeless veterans who needed our emergency support were able to move into more independent housing on our Aylesford village, or now live totally independently.
Funds raised by The Tommy Club have been used to improve the courtyard area in our emergency accommodation, as well as purchase vital fitness equipment for the 33 homeless veterans we are supporting.
The need to support veterans has never been greater.
Having smashed this target, he is now aiming to raise £10k!
I’m an outdoors man, so one night wasn’t going to cut it. I decided to sleep out for every night in March.
I feel like I owe it to military brothers and sisters to help them in their time of need.
Tommy Club Champion and Sleep Out hero, Ryan ‘Kermit’ Kemmet, aimed to raise over £6k (£1 for every homeless veteran in the UK.)
Kermit Royal Logistic Corps Veteran Forest of Dean
VETERAN SLEEPS OUT FOR A MONTH
Schoolboy, Arthur, prepares for a night under the stars.
INTRODUCING...
RBLI’s new Chief Executive
We have a vision that, in 50 years’ time, the Tommy Club will be considered a fully-fledged national force for good, with Champions in every street.
LLisa Farmer
,
the new Chief Executive of the Tommy Club’s parent charity, RBLI, introduces herself to the club’s Champions and tells us what the Tommy means to her, as well as her exciting plans for the future.
isa Farmer first joined RBLI in 2015, as Director of Strategic Development where she oversaw the charity’s Fundraising and Marketing department. In just six years, she has broadened the charity’s beneficiary reach which now numbers more than 10,000 annually and secured more than £34 million in funding to dramatically expand care provisions for vulnerable veterans and national employment support programmes.
It was during this time that the now Chief Executive saw the potential of the Tommy as a national symbol of veteran support. Fully inspired, she set out to establish the Tommy Club – our national support club which provides the whole country with an opportunity to come together in one community to help the nation’s heroes.
Before becoming RBLI’s Chief Executive, I had the privilege of leading the team that developed the Tommy Club. Whilst we knew from the very beginning how special it would be, none of us knew just how quickly it would take hold all over the country.
In fewer than 18 months, the club has almost 2,000 Champions, has raised more than £160,000 for our vital services and secured significant support through the likes of England football captain, Harry Kane – whilst our club president, General The Lord Richard Dannatt, rallies for our cause at every opportunity.
This success has been a phenomenal achievement and simply would not be possible without you – our Tommy Club Champions. Each of you, in your own way, has contributed directly to the success of this project and, most importantly, to the positive impact it has on people’s lives.
I am fortunate enough to see first-hand the effect it has on the lives of real people. Whether it’s the veterans working in our charity’s factories, the older veterans living in the care homes on our village, or the many thousands of fundraisers up and down the UK who rally behind our cause, the Tommy Club has grown into something truly special.
Royal British Legion Industries is currently undergoing the most ambitious project in its more than 100-year history, the Centenary Village. It is a £22m development which when complete will provide a home to hundreds of military veterans and their families every year.
As we move forward, we will continue to grow the Tommy Club into a project which will provide support to our nation’s heroes for generations to come.
And as the Tommy Club continues to grow over the years to come, it will play an increasingly vital role in reaching veterans who are isolated.
I want to thank you all personally for joining us at the start of this magnificent journey.
THE VILLAGE WELCOMES....
WHO’S BEEN TO VISIT RBLI’S VILLAGE RECENTLY
BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS
We were delighted to welcome Andy Button-Stephens, Head of the new Barratt Foundation, to our village recently.
It was a pleasure to show him the amazing work being supported by Barratt Developments and introduce him to the veterans whose lives have transformed.
We were particularly proud to show Andy how the new Centenary Village development is progressing, with scaffolding coming down and even kitchens and bathrooms being fitted.
We can’t wait to see Andy and the Barratt team back in the Spring when we will not only be welcoming the first veterans into homes on the Centenary Village, but also formally opening the all new dementia garden which was designed and funded by the Barratt Developments’ Graduates. Thank you to Barratt for making this life changing village a reality.
ABF THE SOLDIERS’ CHARITY
Major General Tim Hyams OBE, the new Chief Executive of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity visited RBLI’s Village recently.
ABF are fantastic supporters of RBLI’s work and are supporting the new ABF Community Centre on our Centenary Village, designed for peer support activities, skills and training sessions and employability courses run by RBLI’s LifeWorks team.
ABF have also supported veterans with horticulture training and work, and very recently gave a major gift to help improve the dementia care facilities on the RBLI Village. ABF are committed to supporting veterans at all life stages and ages and really value RBLI’s multi-generational approach.
BRITISH ARMY
Colonel John Powell OBE, Regimental Secretary of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and Major Alasdair Goulden, Secretary of The Queen’s Regimental Association also visited the village recently.
They were extremely engaged and have already used their network to connect us with people in different industries, who may be able to offer support to our veterans. They also gave us the wonderful opportunity of attending their AGM in London, with over 150 attendees, to promote the Tommy Club.
They are proactively supporting members of their Association who are isolated and so they were delighted to hear about the Tommy Club – we are excited to see where this relationship could take us.
Top row: The Lawson Trust, Derek Harris and Andy Button-Stephens from Barratt Developments, James Hopkins. Bottom row: Colonel Anthony Beattie, President of the Queen’s Regimental Association, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, The Gosling Foundation, David Potts from Morrisons.
LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY
REMEMEMBER RBLI IN YOUR WILL
Since our establishment in 1919, RBLI has helped countless veterans back into sustained work, given homes to ex-service men and women and their families, and supported people with disabilities.
By leaving a gift in your Will, you can help ensure vital support is there for years to come.
After providing for those closest to you, please consider leaving RBLI a gift in your Will. Every gift left to us, however large or small, will have a lasting impact on the lives of our beneficiaries.
SET UP YOUR LEGACY IN MINUTES
Simply include our charity’s name and registered charity number in your Will. All the details you need are below:
Royal British Legion Industries
REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: (England & Wales) 210063 (Scotland) SC048795
REGISTERED ADDRESS:
Royal British Legion Industries Ltd, Hall Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NL
TO
OR
TIRTHA’S STORY
Tirtha dreamed of following in his father’s footsteps and joining the Gurkhas. In 2005, in what was his fourth and final attempt, he had the honour of joining the British Army’s First Gurkha Rifles, beating thousands in the selection process.
Gurkhas played a crucial role in the Far East during the Second World War, particularly in South East Asia. Known for their courage, their curved 18-inch knife known as the kukri, and their world-famous motto, “better to die than be a coward”, the Gurkhas were and remain an integral part of the British Army. During the Second World War, ten Gurkha regiments played roles at the heart of conflicts across Asia and Europe.
Nearly 30,000 British Gurkhas were killed or wounded during the war. More than 75 years later, Tirtha was continuing the hardfought tradition of the Nepalese Gurkha soldiers. His seven-year service saw him undertake two tours of Afghanistan.
It was his second, in 2010, when clearing suspected improvised explosive devices in an alleyway that he was caught in a blast and severely injured, losing his left leg above the knee. He found the process of leaving the forces traumatic, facing loneliness for the first time in his life. But soon after, RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, gave him what he calls a second chance.
Tirtha now works alongside five other former Gurkhas, all of whom share similar experiences of conflict. Together, they apply their wide range of skills developed during their service careers in BBMC’s sign manufacturing department. Tirtha, and the highly skilled team are motivated to win, take on new business and are respected throughout the country for the quality of their work. He refers to his new career at RBLI as his second life.
HOW TO BECOME A TOMMY CLUB SILVER CHAMPION
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 the year.
AS A SILVER CHAMPION, YOU WILL RECEIVE
• Silver Tommy Club lapel pin and thank you card
Invitation to our Tommy Club garden party
• Invitation to our Tommy Club awards ceremony
Invitation to attend an RBLI factory tour and to meet our veterans
So why not go that step further and support our veterans, by taking part in our amazing fundraising events. Host your own Tommy Tea, take part in our Falklands 40 challenge, donate directly or organise your own, unique fundraiser!
ALL STATIONS
The great work of Tommy Club Champions supports all of Royal British Legion Industries’ activity. Alongside a vibrant caring, village community for veterans of all ages and disabilities, RBLI also runs two social enterprises and a nationally recognised employment programme. Here’s the latest news from around the divisions.
BRITAIN’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY
As a successful social enterprise, BBMC is now a leading manufacturer of signs for road and rail, supplying many major transport networks. The veteran-led team have recently expanded to coincide with investment in a new digital printer and router.
Another key line for BBMC is wooden pallets and fruit bins, which are manufactured and refurbished on site by a team of skilled veterans.
With demand increasing during the pandemic and showing no signs of letting up, the team have recently leased new machinery to keep up with the demand.
SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Since launching in 2019, SBMC has supported over 90 of Scotland’s most vulnerable veterans, military spouses and dependants. As the social enterprise grows, seven talented veterans and two military spouses have now been offered permanent roles.
A new Gravotech IS8000 mechanical engraver, part funded by Scottish Enterprise, is now in place at SBMC, enabling the team to play a vital part in the manufacturing of plaques for the Queen’s Green Canopy Project – a tree-planting initiative to celebrate Her Majesty’s 2022 Platinum Jubilee. Everyone at SBMC is honoured to be involved, with over 300 plaques produced to date.
SBMC are also producing a large Falklands Conflict 40th Anniversary Memorial Sundial which measures 4’9” high and 6’2” wide.
Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company recently produced their largest road sign to date, measuring a whopping 42m2 for one of their biggest clients and supporters, BEAR Scotland.
The BBMC team also produce and distribute many of products for the RBLI shop — look out for a new range of Jubilee products on sale now at www.rbli.shop.
Following SBMC’s accreditation as an SQA Training Centre, the response from veterans has been overwhelmingly positive. Four veterans have started on the programme; all have completed their SQA Induction and are on course to achieve their first qualifications in Spring 2022.
The Tommy Club supports jobs for disadvantaged veterans – including fulfilment of every single Tommy Club welcome pack.
LIFEWORKS
The Lifeworks programme is going from strength to strength after winning a prestigious business award for supporting veterans through lockdown with remote courses delivered online. In the past 6 months Lifeworks has helped 100 veterans into work. As the cost of living crisis deepens Lifeworks can help under-employed veterans as well as unemployed veterans.
It also highlighted a greater need for flexibility, so the team has now introduced ‘bite size’ course modules for those who want to complete the course in their own time, around other commitments.
To support this, a dedicated online hub now directly links beneficiaries with Forces-friendly employers.
Another new element to Lifeworks is a Rapid response job service which specialises in finding employment within a week. Working closely with the employer, the process aims to fast-track the candidate through the employment process and get them into paid work and feeling good about themselves. Rapid response was first designed to support the serving community when faced with short notice service discharge, posting to another location or for spouses requiring employment support.
RBLI LIVING
The last six months has been busy around the Village, with the completion of the £4m refurbishment of Gavin Astor House.
Having undergone a complete renovation, the building now houses a new state-of-the-art dementia suite, which further enhances the scope of care available at RBLI.
A £150k investment at Queen Elizabeth Court will extend and modernise the community facilities for the residents, who have supported the funding drive as well.
We are delighted that 40 new homes on our Centenary Village are nearly complete! The project will see homes and much needed wrap-around support, for over 100 vulnerable veterans and their families for decades to come. Already the new homes have kitchens, bathrooms, water, electricity and gas and are expected to complete in June of this year. RBLI’s care and welfare teams are now working on assessing and preparing veterans for the challenging time of transition; a new start in a new community.
We are delighted that the new homes are almost ready but we remember that for most veterans the reason for admission is not a happy one; triggered by diagnosis, isolation, bereavement, redundancy or financial crisis. We are grateful for everyone who has enabled us to make this project to provide support for more vulnerable veterans for years to come, a reality. Tommy Club support has helped build these much-needed new homes.
BASE CAMP
RETURNS TO THE VILLAGE
Base Camp is such an important part of village life, for residents, visitors and the wider community. We are delighted to welcome everyone back.
WILL CAMPBELL-WROE Director of Living, RBLI
The long-awaited return of our beloved Base Camp café is here!
Base Camp was originally built as a central hub to create and maintain relationships with the local community and residents within the RBLI village. Unfortunately, due to COVID restrictions, Base Camp’s doors had to temporarily close.
We are now delighted to announce it is open again, ready to sell various drinks and treats for all to enjoy! We very much hope to welcome many of you to the village for a hot drink and a cake or two!
Tommy Club Founding Patron and RBLI Trustee, Nadra Ahmed OBE DL, cuts the ribbon to officially reopen Base Camp.
TIME TO GROW...
Injured veteran, John Ahben came to RBLI in 2016 and after being supported all the way through horticulture study, training and qualifications, now works as the village’s Grounds Maintenance Operative. Here, he offers his top tips for gardening success this season.
TIP ONE: TIME YOUR WATERING
As the summer sees the sun shine down on your garden, always remember that the best time to water your plants and vegetable patches is early in the morning or the evening.
Avoiding the hottest times of day allows for the water to soak down deeper into soils, giving your plants the greatest hydration.
TIP TWO: KEEP IT TRIMMED
Be sure to give your plants fairly frequent trims during the warmer months. Trimming herbs regularly, for example, will see them be much more productive in the long run.
Equally, be sure to deadhead for your flowers, encouraging second blooms across summer season.
TIP THREE: MIND THE GRASS
Prolonged hot, dry weather can spell disaster for a lawn. When mowing grasses, be sure to leave a little extra length on the top, which puts less demands on every blade. Don’t fret if your lawn does take on a yellow hue too. Even when it looks as though it’s at death’s door, it will soon recover when the heavens do inevitably open.
TIP FOUR: MAKE THE MOST OF MULCH
Whilst bright, warm sunshine can bring your garden to life, it can also be a hindrance. Spreading mulch across your garden can help soil retain life-providing moisture, combatting some harmful effects of the heat.
Whether you’re using bark, shredded leaves or even straw for vegetable patches, mulch will keep your garden bright and wellnourished.
TIP FIVE: TACKLE YOUR WEEDS IN THE HEAT
Whilst the summer sun will see your plants flourish, it does the same for weeds. Weeds will be competing with your plants for space so it’s important to battle them whenever you can.
Be sure to hoe them at the hottest point of the day – the weeds and surrounding soil will be dry giving them the poorest chance of survival.
John Ahben, working hard around the RBLI Village.
THE GRAPEVINE
YOUR SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY
PETER GIRLING
A massive congratulations to Tommy Club Founding Patron, Peter Girling, who has received his muchdeserved MBE in the Queen’s New Year’s honours.
Peter has been a driving force in supporting the Tommy Club during the pandemic. We couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this prestigious honour and are so proud to have him constantly championing the Tommy Club.
Congratulations Peter Girling
AP SECURITY SANTA
A huge thank you to our friends and Tommy Club Champions at AP Security who generously dropped off some Christmas gifts for the veterans and their families that live on the village, in December.
Your support and generosity really is appreciated, particularly at that time of year.
FANTASTICALLY FESTIVE
One of our wonderful Champions, Karen, got in touch before Christmas to ask if she could contribute some Christmas decorations to our care home on the village, Gavin Astor House. Little did we know, she was planning on making and delivering the wonderful decorations herself!
Our care home were so grateful and the gorgeous decorations really brightened the place up on Christmas Day!
I know of so many incredible women doing wonderful things in the defence arena, and so was extremely honoured to have been recognised in this way, particularly on International Women’s Day.
Having fought with my own mental illness in silence for so many years, I hate to think of others having to do the same, be that a young cadet, adult volunteer, private soldier or senior officer – as one thing for sure is that mental illness does not discriminate.
SALLY ORANGE
Above: Sally Orange
Some of you may recognise Sally as a member of Team Tommy, who ran, walked and cycled over 800 miles from Erskine to Kent. This, alongside all of her other fundraising efforts, led to Sally becoming a Gold Champion in last year’s Tommy Club Awards.
SALLY WINS BIG ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
We are delighted that one of our wonderful Gold Tommy Club Champions, Sally Orange, has been announced as the Defence Discount Service Inspirational Woman of the Year!
A retired Army Major and physiotherapist, Sally was nominated for her extensive charity work, including for RBLI and the Tommy Club, and her commitment to championing the importance
of mental wellness during her 22 years of service, and postretirement.
As well as helping service personnel and veterans, Sally is also the first and only female Army Cadets UK National Ambassador.
A massive congratulations to Sally for this fantastic achievement, and thank you for all you do.
SALTY SAPPERS
You may remember Team Salty Sappers from our last issue; four incredible Royal Engineers taking on the gruelling Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge — a rowing race over 3000 miles of open ocean from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean.
Their feet are now back on dry land after finishing the race in an astonishing 39 days. The race is considered the world’s toughest row and puts competitors to the test, both mentally and physically.
Rowing unassisted, the team ate, slept and lived on a purpose-built ocean rowing boat for the entire journey. They battled 20ft waves, dehydration and wildlife to finish in ninth place overall and sixth in their class.
They did all this with Tommy proudly emblazoned on their boat and raised over £7,000 for the cause.
The Sappers spent Christmas and new year at sea, but we hear they are actually missing the open water!
Well done for the incredible achievement lads, we can’t wait to see what challenge you take up next!
WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING ON THE GRAPEVINE?
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!
Image courtesy of Atlantic Campaigns
UPCOMING EVENTS
JOIN #TEAMBRAVE AND RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TOMMY CLUB
KILTWALK
EVENT DATE: 24 Apr, 29 May, 21 Aug, 18 Sept 2022
LOCATION: Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh
MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/kiltwalk
Walk for Tommy Club as part of this fun mass participation event.
THE BIG FISH
EVENT DATE: 27 May 2022
JURASSIC COAST CHALLENGE
EVENT DATE: 14-15 May 2022
LOCATION: Corfe Castle, Dorset
MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/jurassic-coast-challenge
Take on this ultra-challenge across the spectacular World Heritage coastline. Walk, jog or run this 100km challenge with 2000 likeminded adventures.
LOCATION: Makins Fishery, Nuneaton
MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/the-big-fish
Test your skills at a charity fishing match hosted by RBLI partner, Bunzl Greenham.
EVENT DATE: 15 - 16 July 2022
LOCATION: Aylesford - Ypres
RIDE WITH A VETERAN
MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/cycleride2022
Be inspired to join our iconic charity cycle ride from Kent to Ypres in Belgium. Ride alongside veterans and visit the iconic Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing.
VIRTUAL LONDON MARATHON
EVENT DATE: 2 October 2022
LOCATION: Various across the UK
MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/virtual-london-marathon
It’s back! Choose your own route and your own pace to join people from over 100 countries.
For just £15 a year, you can become a Tommy Club Champion. Anyone is welcome to join our incredible community and help us change the lives of vulnerable veterans. In return, you will receive a welcome pack, lapel badge and exclusive Tommy Club benefits. SIGN UP TODAY AT tommyclub.co.uk/join
By purchasing this magazine, you are helping to support our veteran community and spread the word about the work we can do.
If you have any questions, or would like to pass on any feedback or ideas, please send an email to tommyclub@rbli.co.uk
Thank you for supporting the Tommy Club.
tommyclub.co.uk
Queen Elizabeth, visiting RBLI in November 2019.