Annual Conference

Churchill Shield

Winner: Y Services

“The branch has continued to perform admirably over the past twelve months, reaching out not only internally to help its members and beneficiaries but also externally to highlight the work of the RBL to the general public, regular and reserve armed forces personnel and local communities”.

Downing Shield

Winner: John Davis, Blackwood and District Branch

“John has never failed to provide advice, encouragement and support to branches and BCS representatives. John Davis is a credit to the county and deserving of this award.”

Runner-up:

Thomas Miller, Aldridge Branch, Staffordshire.

Ian Hamilton Cup

Winner: Whitstable RBL Club

“The atmosphere of the club is always of positivity and enjoyment. There is always laughter and banter between the team and the members. It is a club and branch that are working well together and have the same work ethos of being at the centre of the community for its members, veterans and beneficiaries so that loneliness and isolation are becoming a thing of the past in the club premises.”

Runner-Up:

Kingswinford RBL Club, Staffordshire

Jellicoe Cup

Winner: Osnabruck Branch. Germany

“The Branch holds an annual open day which attract 400 - 500 visitors. The public is attracted by the British cuisine and the various information stands of the RBL and other charities. These stands include where to get help and how to join the RBL.”

Runners-up:

2nd – Ashford Branch, Kent

Joint 3rd – Blyth Branch, Northumbria; Lees and District Branch

Knox Shield

Winner: Paderborn Branch

“The Paderborn Branch has had stands at the Summer Fete, the Wellbeing and Wealth Fayre and the Garrison Bonfire. The Unit Welfare Office has collaborated with the branch and this has helped the branch to raise over 20,000 Euros for the Poppy Appeal.”

Maurice Challenge Cup

Winner: Women’s Section

“This has been a remarkable year for the Women’s Section. Together with the Central Committee, MEO and the Finance Team, the Women’s Section undertook a major house-keeping exercise. This work identified Women’s Section S ‘live’ branches, counties and contacts meaning communication direct with members is reconnected. Direct contact has led to branch return compliance increasing by 48% to 79% overall.”

Runners-up:

2nd – Devon County

3rd – Staffordshire

Lister Cup

Winner: Dromore Branch, Northern Ireland

“We are in contact with those beneficiaries who are ill and isolated. We have one dealing with cancer and his wife is under pressure trying to care for him. We offer her help on a regular basis.”

McCrae Shield

Winner: Paphos Branch, Cyprus

“The branch holds many commemorative dinners throughout each year – at least ten a year, these attract differing people and gives us the opportunity to explain about our branch and the RBL.”

Runners-up:

2nd – Hannover Branch, Germany

3rd – Gran Alacant and La Marina Branch, Spain

Poppy Appeal Award

Winner: Lees and District Branch

Runners-up:

2nd – Brackley Branch

3rd – Soham Branch

Overseas Poppy Appeal Award

Winner: Paphos Branch, Cyprus

Membership Training Award

Winner: Dave Brett, Germany District

Runners-up:

2nd – Shirley Patterson, Northern Ireland District

3rd – Margery Taylor, Spain South District

Haig Cup

Winner: Blyth Branch

“The branch collaborates with local schools to encourage greater awareness of remembrance and the work of the RBL and by doing so promotes awareness of the RBL and greater involvement of the community with the branch, with one of the two academies wanting to create ambassadors for Remembrance and also the newly formed Blyth Combined Cadet Force Navy Cadets. Branch Standard Bearers attended a schools' Armistice Sunrise Service at Blyth beach.”

Runners-up:

2nd – Dungannon/Moy, Northern Ireland

Joint 3rd – Riders Branch; Tamworth Branch

Lewis Shield

Winner: Alistair Wilcox

Runners-up: 2nd – Robert Thompson, Germany

Joint 3rd – Alan Purdy, Blyth Branch; Jane Vallance, Riders Branch

Annual Conference FAQs: Please note that these FAQs will be updated as information becomes available. We will also share updates in our usual communications channels.