The Legion's Annual Conference
14 May 2009
Caring and campaigning for the British Armed Forces family will top the agenda as up to 1,000 delegates, members and supporters of The Royal British Legion gather this weekend for its annual conference in The Devonshire Park Centre, Eastbourne.
The Legion is the leading UK charity concerned with safeguarding the welfare, interests and memory of all those now serving in the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, all those who have served, and their dependents. Its 400,000 members are represented at the conference, which determines the charity's direction for the coming year.
The Legion's new National President, Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely KCB MC, who was the Senior Military Representative in Iraq in 2004, will make his inaugural speech to the delegates, while the keynote address on Saturday will be presented by Wing Commander Patricia Hymas, who will speak about her role managing the Healthcare Governance of Royal Air Force Medical Services.
On Sunday afternoon, a colourful parade of Legion standard-bearers will march to the War Memorial where a salute will be taken by the Legion's President and the Mayor of Eastbourne before the laying of wreaths at the War Memorial.
"In the past few years, the need for The Royal British Legion has grown as the demands on our Armed Forces remain high," said Peter Cleminson, the Legion's National Chairman. "We have seen an increase in welfare need from those in the Armed Forces family under the age of 35 as thousands of young men and women continue to be deployed on operations many miles away from home.
"But we must also remember those older veterans who need our help and support," he added, "which is why we will be discussing our 'Return to Rationing?' campaign and the progress made on the issues we have raised to help older veterans lead dignified lives free from poverty."
Motions being considered at the Conference are available here.
