June Meeting for Wiltshire

Good news at last.

The Wyvern Club in Devizes has confirmed that we can hold a meeting at 20:00 hrs on Wed 2nd June. It will most likely be in the main room with tables limited to 6 persons.

As this will be our first formal meeting for a long time, I will be publishing an agenda in due course. If you have anything that you would like to include on the agenda, please let me know at least 2 weeks before the meeting.

I would like us to concentrate our efforts this year on strengthening the Wiltshire Branch and fully supporting the RBL as much as possible, whilst also having more Ride-outs and social gatherings on a regular basis.

2020 was a very bad year for us all, but I believe that we, as a group, can come together and support each other going forward.

Regards,
Mal

RBLR day at the Ace Cafe. South Central

Details for the Wiltshire Massive
Warminster Services 0845 by petrol pumps for 0900 stands up.
I’m happy to lead but I’ve only been once before so I will be a slave to the SatNav. A36, A303, M3, M25, A40……Stopping for leg stretch at Welcome Break Fleet M3 72 miles in.
So if anyone knows a more scenic route ?
See you all (?) Sunday

 

Hampshire.
Gosport
If anyone wants to join me I’ll be leaving around 08:00 ish and will be heading back from London around midday due to other commitments
Timings and RV points can be arranged

Call for Volunteers for Lydiard Park (Swindon) – Field of Remembrance Event

This message is a call for volunteers from the Branch  to assist with the planting of Remembrance Crosses at Lydiard Park (Swindon) Field of Remembrance event taking place in the park between 26th & 30th October. 

The dates and details of assistence required are as below:

26th October (Monday) – 3/4 Volunteers – Cross Planting

27th October (Tuesday) – 3/4 Volunteers – Cross Planting

28th October (Wednesday) – 3/4 Volunteers – Cross Planting

30th October (Friday)     –  5/6 Volunteers – Stewarding for the public opening day and service.

If you can assist, please let me know as soon as possible.

Virtual RTTW

RTTW 2020

It is with a great deal of sadness that I have to announce that Ride to the Wall, in its current format, will not be taking place this year.

Over the past few weeks we have been seeking advice from many different sources and ultimately, at this time, we have had to be guided by Government guidelines and other stakeholders involved in the event.  At the moment, there is no sign of any easing of restrictions and to make the decision now allows people the opportunity to change any arrangements they may have in place.

The decision was not taken lightly and after 12 successful years, having the elements thrown at us on numerous occasions, and at the same time running a smooth event year on year, this year, our 13th we have been beaten by an alien force, something of which we have never experienced before.

As well as our remembrance service you raise a massive amount towards the upkeep of the NMA.  Nothing more so than last year when we once again presented a record amount.

Merchandise will still be open and we will be presenting a cheque on AFD next year for the amount raised this year. A large part of our revenue is taken on the day, which will unfortunately not be able to happen this year, but I’m sure we will be able to present the NMA with a significant amount.

If anybody wishes to be refunded their voluntary contribution and return their year bar, please contact us before 3rd October through the website. Unfortunately, registrations cannot be carried over to next year.

My priority as Founder of Ride to the Wall  is your safety first and foremost as WALLERS, and also not putting you or the general public at unnecessary risk

I am hopeful that through your support we will come back stronger next year and 2021 will once again be a massive year in the history of RTTW.

Best wishes from Martin Dickinson – Founder of Ride to the Wall.

NMA Statement

The last few months have been truly unsettling for us all and, whilst some normality is slowly beginning to return, we still find ourselves in unprecedented times which makes planning for large scale events extremely difficult.  Even with the best social distancing practices and procedures, extra cleaning regimes and reduced numbers, we have concluded, much to our disappointment, that Ride to the Wall cannot take place in a physical form in 2020.

This decision has been made jointly between the Ride to the Wall Committee and the Arboretum management following weeks of discussions, scenario planning and changes in Government legislation.  The final decision has been made with Wallers’ safety and reputation at its core, along with consideration for the wellbeing of our neighbours and local community.  Whilst we understand there will be much sadness within the Ride to the Wall community, we ask you for your support with this difficult decision.

Whilst we cannot congregate at the Arboretum this year, we will be holding a virtual event and we ask as many of you as possible to join us.  We will still raise the much-needed funds for the Arboretum and we promise you entertainment, camaraderie and reflection via our digital channels. Further details will be made available in September, but please do keep the date of 3rd October in your diary.

Thank you for your support and patience over the last few months and for your understanding with this decision.

Annual Conference 2020

 

Update 15/08

The latest news, including the timetable, is available from the Legion Website

Update 17/07

Format for 2020

For the first time ever, members will be able to attend Annual Conference remotely using their own devices such as a computer, laptop or tablet. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the National Chairman and Director General addressing members, will be able to attend a presentation of the Annual Report and Accounts and ask their questions as part of the Membership Forum, while delegates will be given access to an online platform in advance of the event, to discuss and vote on motions.

Attendance

Anyone may attend Annual Conference but we ask that they register in advance using the following options.

Register as a visitor:

  • To register as a visitor please use the online form on the main RBL website found here.
  • After registration has closed, all those who have successfully registered will receive an email with information detailing how you will be able to virtually attend conference.

Register as a delegate:

For those that cannot use the online form there will also be application forms made available to download which you will be able to return to the team via email.

For any help with applications please contact your local Membership Support Officer or the Annual Conference team at [email protected]

FAQs’

When will Annual Conference take place?

Saturday 19th September 2020

What will the format of the digital Conference be?

Annual Conference will be a one day event and run over two sessions; one in the morning, and one in the afternoon, with an hour break in between.

If I already registered myself for the original date, do I need to re-register?

No, if you have previously registered as a delegate or visitor to attend the original date for Annual Conference, you do not need to register again.

How can I attend as a Visitor?

To register as a visitor please use the online form on the main RBL website found here.

When is the deadline for applications?

Deadline for all applications is 5pm on the 7th August 2020.

Can I still submit Motions?

Unfortunately the deadline to submit Motions has passed, and no further submissions can be accepted.

How do I take part in the Membership Forum?

The Membership Forum is a chance for all members to have their questions answered by a panel of experts. We encourage our members to send your questions to us in advance, by emailing the Annual Conference team at [email protected].

Attendees will be able to submit their question on the day, but please do send us your question in advance, to allow for more time for your question to be answered. ​​​​​​​

Do I need a specific web browser to attend?

No. You will be able to attend and view the live stream through any internet browser on any device with internet capabilities.

Will instructions on how to join be sent to us?

Yes. Once the deadline for applications has passed on the 7 August 2020, detailed instructions on how to join the livestream will be sent to all who have registered.

I don’t have a webcam or microphone; can I still take part?

Yes, you will not need to have either to be able to view the live stream.

End Update

 

As you are aware, due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic Annual Conference, which was scheduled to take place in May, was cancelled. Despite the challenges we have been presented with, we remain committed to still holding Annual Conference this year while also prioritising the safety of our members. We are now pleased to inform you that Annual Conference will be held digitally on Saturday 19th September 2020.

This year’s online format will enable members from all over the world to attend from the comfort of their home by simply watching the live streamed Annual Conference through an internet browser such as Internet Explorer or Google Chrome.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the National Chairman and Director General addressing members, will be able to attend a presentation of the Annual Report and Accounts and ask their questions as part of the Membership Forum, while delegates will be given access to an online platform in advance of the event, to discuss and vote on motions.

How you can attend as a visitor

For the first time ever, members will be able to attend Annual Conference remotely using their own devices such as a computer, laptop or tablet. Anyone interested in attending is invited to register by completing a form before 5pm on Friday 7th August 2020.

Register as a visitor:

  • To register as a visitor please use the online form on the main RBL website found here.
  • After registration has closed, all those who have successfully registered will receive an email with information detailing how you will be able to virtually attend conference.

How to take part in the Membership Forum

The Membership Forum is a chance for all members to have their questions answered by a panel of experts. We encourage our members to send your questions to us in advance, by emailing the Annual Conference team at [email protected].

Attendees will be able to submit their question on the day, but please do send us your question in advance, to allow for more time for your question to be answered. We may take your question away to the relevant department and provide an answer after Conference if necessary.