Tommy Club Magazine - Autumn 2022

TOMMY

Queen Elizabeth II

A cherished memory: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visiting RBLI in 2019 to mark the charity’s 100th anniversary and offically open Appleton Lodge care home.

Foreword

BY GENERAL THE LORD DANNATT GCB, CBE, MC, DL TOMMY CLUB PRESIDENT

Dear Champions,

Welcome to the Autumn 2022 edition of the Tommy Club magazine.

We were greatly saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty led the country as a beacon of light for over 70 years. As Head of the Armed Forces, her dedication and commitment to supporting veterans and active military servicemen and women has been a true testament to her outstanding and inspirational service to the United Kingdom. In this edition of the magazine, there is a special feature about Her Majesty’s visits to RBLI’s village and how supportive she was of the Armed Forces community and disadvantaged veterans. You will also be able to read about a special event that took place in September, where Tommy Club Silver Champions, Founding Patrons and supporters came together with some of our veterans to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This season’s theme is focused on fresh starts. In this edition, you will be able to read about a multitude of new beginnings that your support has helped make a reality, including the opening of RBLI’s brand new Centenary Village apartments, providing a fresh start for so many veterans. You will also be able to read about those who have been supported to new beginnings through RBLI’s STEP-IN programme – getting back into employment or making a new start with their family.

Another fresh start is the football season! As you know, the Tommy Club has a fantastic partnership with Leyton Orient Football Club, thanks to Tommy Club Ambassador and England Football Captain, Harry Kane, and his family. In this edition, you can read about the launch of the brand new Leyton Orient away shirt, featuring the Tommy Club on the front. 10% of the proceeds of this shirt, come straight to the Tommy Club, supporting the UK’s most vulnerable veterans.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continuing support of the Tommy Club. During this cost-of-living crisis, I appreciate your dedication to this club more than ever and want you to really know the difference it makes. So many are struggling and need our help, but every effort makes a difference. From young Joshua’s terrific Sleep Out effort, to Founding Patron, Jools Holland OBE’s wonderful promotion of the work our veterans are doing at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, we are making sure that there are jobs and homes there for veterans.

We really are achieving great things. As you will read, this year’s annual cycle ride to the Menin Gate in Ypres was an emotional one and a huge success. The cyclists included Tommy Club Champions, Founding Patrons and veterans and was a very powerful experience for all involved, particularly after not being able to visit the memorial throughout the pandemic. The Grapevine pages in this magazine will also enable you to learn about the fantastic work some of our Champions are doing day to day, to raise awareness and funds for the club.

Of course, you will also be able to read about some of the things your fellow Champions are doing out in the community to spread the word about the Tommy Club and raise vital funds. I very much hope you will share these stories with your family and friends and encourage them to join the Tommy Club and become a part of this fantastic community. Thank you so much for your support. Let’s keep going and achieve great things, together.

CONTENTS

Tommy 10K

Champions join our first ever live 5km and 10km event 05

Ride With A Veteran

Our heroes on wheels cycle 240km to the Menin Gate in Ypres 07

Mike’s Story

Finding his way on Civvy Street after leaving the Armed Forces 09

Women in War

Barratt Developments pay tribute around the UK 10

Our Tommy Club event

Our annual gathering to celebrate your achievements 11

Centenary Village

update

Our new accommodation opens its doors for veterans 13

All Stations

The latest from RBLI’s divisions 15

Jools Holland

The legendary musician meets Britain’s Bravest 17

Harry Kane and Leyton Orient

Tommy Club set to benefit from sales for another season 19

How to Make a Road Sign

Britain’s Bravest veterans show you how it’s done 21

Sleep Out Champions

RBLI gives a warm welcome to Tommy Club heroes 23

New Dementia Garden

A beautiful new outdoor space, courtesy of Barratt Developments 24

Joan’s Story

From WW2 Aircraftwoman to Tommy Club Founding Patron 25

Taking to the Skies for Tommy Club

Alan makes the big leap to raise funds for veterans 26

The Grapevine

Your stories from around the Tommy Club community 27

Tommy Club events calendar

FInd a Tommy Club fundraising event near you 29

Jools Holland visits RBLI

The musician expressed his surprise and delight at the scope of support and opportunities for veterans when he visited the village this summer

This October, we held RBLI’s first ever live 5km and 10km event. Thanks to the generosity of Tommy Club Founding Patron, The Lord Abergavenny, this event was set in the beautiful surroundings of Eridge Park in Kent

Muddy but smiling, nothing could stop our runners rising to the challenge and doing us all proud.

With the sun shining down on the beautiful Kent countryside, the Tommy 10K saw participants take on tough terrain and challenging hills to raise vital funds and awareness for veterans in need of our support.

It was a fantastic day and we want to say a massive thanks and congratulations to all those who took part. Another huge thank you goes to our incredible team of volunteers for their hard work on the day and in the lead up; we couldn’t have done it without you. We are so lucky to have such a loyal community of supporters who all played their part in making the day a resounding success.

WHO’S UP FOR NEXT YEAR?

RBLI is looking forward to welcoming repeat runners, families, those new to running and those looking to challenge themselves. Eridge Park isn’t your average 10k course; the rolling hills, tricky terrain and roaming wildlife make for a very unique and challenging run.

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity for a chip-timed cross country run. Challenge yourself today by registering to run the Tommy 10K!

WE NEED YOU!

CAN YOU HELP US MAKE THE TOMMY 10K THE RACE OF 2023?

We’re on the look out for event sponsors for our 2023 Tommy 10K. If you would like to get involved with this fantastic event and help to raise funds for veterans please get in touch!

We also need an army of cheerers to make the next Tommy 10K even more special. If running is not your thing, or you have any family and friends who’d like to come and support you on the day, we’d love to hear from you!

If you can help, either as a potential sponsor or a volunteer, please email: fundraising@rbli.co.uk

PEDAL POWER

DESPITE A LONG AND DIFFICULT CHALLENGE IN THE HEAT OF SUMMER, OUR ‘RIDE WITH A VETERAN’ CYCLING HEROES COMPLETED THEIR GOAL TO RIDE 150 MILES TO LAY WREATHS AT THE MENIN GATE MEMORIAL.

Almost 40 cyclists - including ten military veterans - rode to mainland Europe in July as RBLI’s annual ‘Ride with a Veteran’ fundraiser returned to the iconic Menin Gate Memorial.

The group, which set off from RBLI’s village in Aylesford, on Friday 15 July, cycled more than 150 miles to the moving war memorial in Ypres, Belgium. The site of the Menin Gate was chosen because of the hundreds of thousands of men who passed through it on their way to the WW1 battlefields.

It commemorates casualties from the forces of Australia, Canada, India, South Africa and United Kingdom. Arriving in the early evening, the group participated in the poignant Last Post ceremony – which happens daily at 8pm. 18 riders laid wreaths at the historic memorial with Tommy Club Founding Patron, Steve Hammond, reading an Exhortation.

“To travel more than 240km together through what was an incredibly hot weekend is a testament to the dedication of the team who took part.

It would have been gruelling, but they worked as a team to make sure they completed it whilst raising vital funds for our activities.”

Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said:

No one left behind: With temperatures soaring, riders supported each other throughout the ride.

I am a close supporter of RBLI. They provide genuinely life-changing support to those who need it most. They have created a community here in Aylesford. This community has touched us all in some way. In fact my son Freddie was one of the first to play on the playground on the village. But most importantly, this community touches the lives of those who need some support. That’s why events like Ride with a Veteran are so important - they raise vital funds for the great work that goes on here.

TRACEY CROUCH MP CHATHAM AND AYLESFORD

On behalf of our brave fundraising cyclists, professional ride captains, support vehicles, motorcycle outriders, medics, mechanics and everyone at Tommy Club, we would like to say a huge thank you for all your generous donations and support, as well as a big thank you to all of our ‘Ride with a Veteran’ sponsors; Arden BMW Maidstone, Aylesford Parish Council, Balfe’s Bikes, Barratt Homes, Centor Insurance & Risk Management, Cobtree Charity Trust, Kent County Council, Manchett Facilities, Martin Arnold, Pillory Barn and Weald of Kent Golf Course & Hotel.

The funds raised by this fantastic event are in excess of £35,000

A proud moment: Ride with a Veteran representatives laid wreaths at the Menin Gate Memorial in a poignant ceremony to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

MIKE’S STORY

Mike has lived in the veteran village for over two decades and has recently become involved as an employee at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

While struggling with his mental health, Mike told us that he knew that the way forward was helping himself, and part of that was meaningful employment. “To get a why, why get up?”

Mike began by working part-time in the factory. After hearing of an available position in metal work, he took the step to go through the application process and was successful. In his new role, Mike will cut, rivet, put channels on, and do “anything to do with metal to prepare it before vinyl is applied to it.”

He told us how beneficial employment at the factory has been. When asked if the role had helped him, Mike told us: “Definitely. It really has. There’s days when it’s really challenging, but without a doubt it’s definitely been good. It’s really about helping yourself.”

Mike expressed how the uniqueness of employment at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company helps veterans like him to stay in employment: “What’s good here is there’s plenty of support. If I go through down days there is support here where maybe an everyday employer wouldn’t be able to give me that.”

Work in the factory also helps veterans to rebuild skills; for Mike, the community and the everyday conversation with people has transformed and continues to strengthen his communication skills.

“Prior to working here I spent a lot of time at home and I wasn’t really communicating, but the day-to-day interaction with people and a little bit of pressure definitely helps.”

The impact of employment through RBLI also produces longer term goals for veterans. Mike believes that “working here helps my home life and if I can get those communication skills here, I can use them at other places.” Now, Mike’s goals are centred around confidence, self-worth and well being.

WE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SPEAKING WITH MIKE ABOUT THE IMPACT OF THE SUPPORT OF RBLI AND EMPLOYMENT UPON HIS LIFE AFTER LEAVING THE ARMED FORCES.

REMEMBERING Women In War

ELGIN, Moray

In May, Barratt and David Wilson Homes supported the Tommy Club by installing full-size Women in War figures at their developments for VE Day. The ‘Women in War’ campaign highlighted the efforts of women – both in military and civilian occupations – during times of conflict.

More than 100,000 joined the women’s branches of Britain’s military services during the First World War. It was not until 1948 that the Women’s Service Act was passed, allowing for permanent peacetime roles for women in Britain’s armed services.

STEPPS, Lanarkshire

BARRY, South Glamorgan

THROCKLEY, Newcastle upon Tyne

Lisa

MICKLEFIELD, Leeds

HIGHGATE, Birmingham

THORNBURY, South Gloucestershire

SWAFFHAM, Norfolk

STAPLEHURST, Kent

LAUNCESTON, Cornwall

“We are immensely proud to have joined forces once again with Barratt Developments – this time to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of women to the British Armed Forces.”

Farmer Chief Executive, RBLI

TOMMY CLUB GATHERS TOGETHER

On Friday 23 September 2022, we were honoured to host over 50 Tommy Club Silver Champions, Founding Patrons and supporters, who came to our village in Aylesford for a tour of our services and afternoon tea. We celebrated almost two years of the Tommy Club and the ongoing support our Tommy Club Champions provide to disadvantaged veterans.

The event was also an opportunity for our Tommy Club community to come together to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with speeches from RBLI Chief Executive, Lisa Farmer, Veteran Relations and Brand Manager, Steve Hammond and Tommy Club Founding Patron, Raj Bisram.

The Tommy Club also got an exclusive first-look at the latest fundraising initiative that RBLI is trialling this year, The Big Give Christmas Challenge, introduced via video message from Tommy Club Founding Patron and world renowned explorer, Levison Wood.

Veterans and Champions also joined together to commemorate Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II with a poignant parade and service, followed by a reading of the new King’s proclamation.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our Tommy Club Founding Patrons, Champions, supporters and residents for coming together to learn more about the impact our services have on veterans, and commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Below: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a keen supporter of RBLI, pictured here visiting the village’s sign-making factory in 1975.

It is no secret that military veterans can face immense challenges upon leaving the Armed Forces, or perhaps even many decades later. It is vital that people are there for them to provide the support they deserve – and that’s what RBLI do.

Thank you Tommy Club Champions

Your fundraising efforts have provided vital funds to complete our new Centenary Village. The latest phase of this incredible development will formally open later this year, providing a comprehensive variety of care and accommodation to meet the needs of hundreds of veterans, now and years into the future.

Centenary Village update

Work has been continuing on RBLI’s £22 million Centenary Village development – none of which would be possible without the support of the Tommy Club.

In 2019, our late Queen, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, visited the site and buried a time capsule to launch the second phase of the project. We are immensely grateful for the spotlight she shone on the charity.

The site, due to formally open later this year, will comprise 22 adapted apartments for veterans in urgent need, 16 new family homes and a further 24 assisted living apartments for older veterans. Future construction will also see a community centre and accessible gym.

A number of veterans who have journeyed through our care pathway have now moved into the latest apartments as they progress towards independent living. RBLI will continue to provide them with ongoing support via our dedicated welfare team.

As part of the Centenary Village development, this now enables the charity to support hundreds more military veterans for many generations to come.

Veterans now have every type of accomodation they may need, including accessible, purpose-built homes, assisted living accommodation and family homes.

Plus, a state-of-the-art community centre at it’s heart means that this will be a thriving, intergenerational community providing the life-changing support to those that need it most.

ALL STATIONS

Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) is more than just a village. Alongside a vibrant, caring community for veterans of all ages and disabilities, RBLI also includes two social enterprises and a nationally recognised employment programme. Here’s the latest news from around the divisions.

Tommy Club products are on sale at rbli.shop

Right: SBMC veterans mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands with a poignant new memorial.

Far right: Helen surprises her veteran father with a sign showing his old cap badge, created by the team for his room in Erskine.

SCOTLAND’S BRAVEST MANUFACTURING

COMPANY (SBMC)

BRITAIN’S

BRAVEST MANUFACTURING COMPANY (BBMC)

Did you know that among BBMC’s many skills is specialist model making for K’Nex? The team have been commissioned by the construction toy company to make a large-scale model of the London Eye for a new Hamleys Store opening at Westfields Shopping Centre.

The signs team have also been busier than ever – apart from making signs for many of the UK’s road and rail networks, they are currently making signage for a new Clean Air Scheme in Bristol.

A Remembrance service was held on the 9th June 2022 at Erskine Veterans Village to mark the unveiling of a moving tribute to mark the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict: made by Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

The Shadow of the Brave, a 5ft steel sundial, is modelled on the silhouette of Erskine veteran, Bill McDowell, kneeling and paying his respects to his fallen comrades. Bill, 61, served in the Falklands as a 21-year-old and now works and resides in the Erskine Veterans Village.

In-between every hour there is a series of dots, totalling 255 to commemorate every fallen British military personnel from the conflict. The dial is set to cast the time in the Falkland Islands with the shadow created by the kneeling soldier sweeping across the dots every single day from sunrise to sunset.

Christmas is always a significant time for the many veterans at BBMC. With Christmas products launching on the online shop, our BBMC veterans are busy proudly manufacturing, packing and posting out the orders – proud in the knowledge that every sale goes to support veteran welfare.

Erskine Village resident and Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers veteran, Ninian Smith, was delighted to receive a surprise gift – a REME cap badge sign, created and presented by the SBMC team to adorn the wall in his room. Accompanying her father, daughter Helen was thrilled to see his eyes light up with pride.

LIFEWORKS

A Lifeworks open day, held at RBLI’s Village in Aylesford, was a roaring success. The team saw excellent attendance from local referral partners as well as RBLI employees, residents from the village and the mayor of Tonbridge and Malling.

Lifeworks courses around the UK are going from strength to strength, with two new remote courses successfully delivered in Hull and in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) in Manchester.

A new course is also proposed in Exeter – in partnership with the Morrisons Foundation.

The new Lifeworks website wearelifeworks.org.uk is now up and running to reach more veterans than ever before.

We have also now diversified to offer Lifeworks modular support on a one-to-one basis, created to support veterans over a 12 month period. This new, flexible solution is designed for those who need to work around other commitments, such as family or part-time work.

There is clearly still a huge appetite for what Lifeworks can offer, which will only improve with the new and updated training and support.

A big shout out to everyone who attended The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch event at Guildhall, which raised a whopping £100,000 to help Lifeworks beneficiaries through ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. Key members of the Lifeworks team and two Lifeworks beneficiaries were introduced to Princess’s Beatrice and Eugenie, who supported the event.

RBLI LIVING

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent recently opened our new specialist nursing and dementia care home, Bradbury House. Previously known as Gavin Astor House, the building and surrounding gardens have undergone a complete refurbishment to provide top-level, around the clock care for those who need it.

Our Centenary Village development, Greenwich House is now open and providing 24-apartment assisted living. We have also completed the second phase, which includes additional family homes and a further assisted living block called Sapper House.

Queen Elizabeth Court has recently undergone a major expansion. The accommodation, which provides assisted living to military veterans and their families over the age of 55, saw its lounge area significantly extended allowing not only for a greater dining experience for its residents but also a space for more engaging social activities. The lounge plays a vital role in ensuring the independence of our veterans.

Family and community activities are now back on the agenda after the pandemic with various social events taking place, including a summer concert, a BBQ and paddle boarding trips.

After a glorious but challenging summer for gardeners, we were delighted to have our first harvest of fruit and veg from the horticulture garden at Mountbatten Pavilion.

Right: Tommy Club Founding Patron, The Lady Colgrain, at the renaming of Bradbury House in May.

TOMMY CLUB INSPIRES JOOLS HOLLAND

It was our pleasure to welcome Tommy Club Founding Patron and musician, Jools Holland OBE DL, to RBLI’s village in Aylesford to discuss the Queen’s Green Canopy campaign and provide further insight into the fantastic work veterans and people with disabilities achieve at Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.

Jools Holland OBE DL, was left inspired after visiting RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company. The famed musician collected plaques made by the charity’s beneficiaries for the Queen’s Green Canopy treeplanting initiative.

Jools, along with councillors from his home village of Cooling, visited to pick up four plaques which will signify the planting of 70 trees as part of the nationwide campaign launched in line with Her Majesty’s platinum Jubilee.

The famed pianist toured Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, where he met the veterans and people with disabilities, who are proud to have been commissioned to produce official plaques for the Jubilee project.

The team, along with veterans of RBLI’s other social enterprise, Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, have together produced more than 2,000 plaques raising over £250,000 for RBLI’s lifechanging services.

Jools said: “To be able to mark the Jubilee in some way, it’s a great honour to be able to do that.

“I think it’s great that we can put trees in and the sign will be there.

“Small children running around our village now will see them and then when we’re all gone and they’re grown up, they’ll still be there.”

Speaking of the charity’s work, Jools added: “I hadn’t seen the work they were doing here and I’m just so amazed with the signs and the amount made.”

Jools first became associated with RBLI back in 2020, when he agreed to become a Founding Patron of RBLI’s national veteran supporters club, the Tommy Club.

RBLI’s Chief Executive said:

“The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative is a wonderful legacy. As we plant trees today, they’ll be here for 100s of years. We’re so proud to take part as the official organisation that is producing the plaques – it means so much to us all. We cannot thank Jools and representatives of Cooling Parish Council enough for taking the time to visit us.”

I had no idea how much they were doing – all the signs for Network Rail, the M25, signs for villages. The way they’re doing it is so great.

TOMMY CLUB INSPIRES HARRY KANE

Tommy Club Ambassador, Harry Kane, has renewed his partnership with Leyton Orient Football Club, seeing RBLI’s famous Tommy return to the league two side’s away shirts.

We are extremely excited that Tommy Club has been chosen as a front of shirt charity partner for Leyton Orient Football Club, featuring on the club’s away kit for the 22/23 season.

In the past year, Leyton Orient have devoted real passion towards supporting veterans, working closely with us to aid the Armed Forces community, including involvement with VE Day celebrations, a special Remembrance fixture and a Partners vs Partners match.

The flourishing partnership has already seen representatives from the O’s support Tommy Club in various ways, including participating in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, the London Landmarks Half Marathon and a Falklands 40 fundraising campaign.

Harry Kane said:

“

I am thrilled to continue the support for military veterans by having the Tommy Club in this special partnership. Together we can improve the lives of our nation’s heroes.”

HARRY JOINS FORCES WITH LEYTON ORIENT ONCE MORE TO SUPPORT TOMMY CLUB FOR ANOTHER SEASON

HARRY KANE TOMMY CLUB AMBASSADOR AND ENGLAND FOOTBALL CAPTAIN

PERCENT

PROCEEDS

SERVICES.

Emma Nugent, RBLI’s Assistant Director of Strategic Development, said:

“The partnership between Leyton Orient and Harry Kane is truly unique, and we’re immensely proud to be featuring on the Club’s shirts once again for the 22/23 season. Both Harry and Leyton Orient showed us truly outstanding support last season, working with us to raise life-changing funds for the country’s most disadvantaged veterans and to raise awareness of the Tommy Club. “

Every penny raised through this wonderful partnership goes directly to support those veterans who are most in need, so there’s even more reason to wear this great Club’s shirt with pride this season.

I am a proud ambassador of this charity which provides much needed welfare support to help veterans overcome challenges both physically and mentally and know this spotlight can make a real difference.

TEN

OF

FROM THE SHIRT SALES WILL GO DIRECTLY TO SUPPORTING RBLI’S

Above: Assistant Director of Strategic Development, Emma Nugent and Tommy Club Founding Patron, Steve Hammond, collecting the new Leyton Orient away shirt on behalf of the Tommy Club.

HOW TO MAKE A ROAD SIGN

by Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company

We all see road signs every day - but did you know that thousands of the signs that are placed on UK’s highways each year are actually made by disabled military veterans and people with disabilities?

At Royal British Legion Industries’ two social enterprises – Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Company – it’s exactly this group who produce more than 10,000 road and rail signs every single year.

You might think the process for making a road sign is simple, but it requires a wide range of skills and an attention to detail which is second-to-none.

STAGE ONE: CUTTING EDGE SKILLS

The first stage involves cutting the sheet metal –which is an aluminium composite material (ACM) – a three-layer composite sheet with plastic at the core and aluminium on both sides.

This may need to be cut into sizes as big as 3m by 1m panels when the team are compiling signs for large motorway gantry signage, or smaller road directional signage.

Whilst the material can be cumbersome to move, veteran Colin has adapted to work around his disability and has no difficulty cutting signs to size using one arm.

STAGE TWO: SMOOTHLY DOES IT

Then to the radius machine to create the panel’s smooth corners.

STAGE THREE: IT’S RIVETING

Then to the riveting machine. A single motorway gantry panel could see 35 – 40 rivets to the channel on the post, a process which can take up to a full day.

STAGE FOUR: GRAPHIC SCENES

Depending on the type of sign the team are producing, the factories’ graphic teams will then print specialist reflective or non-reflective vinyl using state of the art machinery including Anapurna and Canon printers.

The graphics team includes former Gurkha, Anil, who just 20 days before the end of a tour of Afghanistan stepped on an IED, resulting in the loss of his leg.

However, thanks to his work in one of RBLI’s social enterprises, Anil is now an industry leader helping to produce road and rail signs for major infrastructure projects up and down the country.

CAPTAINS OF INDUSTRY A NEW START AND A SECOND CAREER FOR MANY OF BRITAIN’S BRAVEST...

JOSHUA’S EPIC SLEEP OUT!

Tommy Club Champion and one of our biggest Great Tommy Sleep Out fundraisers, 11 year-old Joshua, has beaten 50,000 people to win the Fundraiser Award at BBC Radio Nottingham’s ‘Make a Difference’ Awards after raising over £10,000 for RBLI and vulnerable Armed Forces veterans.

The Great Tommy Sleep Out is an annual fundraising initiative created to raise awareness and funds for the thousands of homeless veterans still in vital need of support. Joshua has slept outside for over 100 nights, joining our cause and doing something truly incredible to support those in need.

Joshua says; “No one that has fought for our country deserves to be on the streets. If I can do something I really enjoy and raise money at the same time that will make a real difference, then that’s a no brainer for me.”

One of the nights he spent sleeping out was on RBLI’s village. Joshua and his parents came to meet some of our veterans and the people his fantastic fundraising is directly helping. He had a tour of our facilities and saw first-hand what he is helping us provide.

The young fundraiser had a great time touring round our social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company and meeting the veterans working there. He then pitched his tent in the Garden of Honour at the heart of RBLI’s village and slept there for the night.

Joshua has already started planning his Sleep Out for next year – his Mum and Dad have said they might rent out his room as he doesn’t really need it now!

Joshua really is the epitome of what the Tommy Club is about and we are so grateful to him for his amazing efforts.

Thank you to all of our

Sleep Out Champions

Thank you for your amazing efforts in raising vital funds and awareness for vulnerable veterans still living on the streets.

If you’re interested in taking part in next years’ Sleep Out, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact us at fundraising@rbli.co.uk

BARRATT’S DEMENTIA GARDEN

In June 2022, RBLI held a grand opening for the village’s new Dementia Garden. This is a project that was driven by university graduates of Barratt Developments, Founding Patrons of the Tommy Club.

The graduates worked tirelessly to raise over £100,000 and organised focus groups to plan the perfect courtyard, giving the Bradbury House residents a beautiful and safe space to enjoy. The garden was designed to be very accessible, with wide resin paths to make it easier for wheelchairs to navigate, and different levels of planters. The plants were also carefully selected to provide a sensory experience, with a range of scents and textures.

Bradbury House residents were joined by RBLI’s Chief Executive, Lisa Farmer, to welcome Barratt Developments’ HR Director, Nick Worral, and Head of the Barratt Foundation, Andy Button-Stephens. Andy also heads up the Corporate Social Responsibility at Barratt’s.

We would like to thank Barratt Developments and their amazing graduates in achieving this outstanding achievement in support of our residents.

JOAN’S STORY

a Tommy Club Founding Patron and Gold Champion.

Joan

Joan was a Leading Aircraftwoman during the Second World War. Her time in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) saw her work as a carpenter, fixing returning planes which had been protecting British skies.

ALAN MAKES THE LEAP!

On 20 September 2022, Tommy Club Champion and Armed Forces veteran Alan, took to the skies over Kent for his longawaited Skydive from 10,000ft!

In 1972 at just 18 years old, Alan was posted to Northern Ireland. Then just 10 years later he joined the Falklands war. When Alan finished his service in the forces and returned to civilian life, he struggled to cope with the awful things he had experienced. Alan turned to alcohol to help him sleep and cope with the terrible thoughts he was having.

Reflecting now, Alan knows this was the beginning of his PTSD. His family sought help for him, turning to RBLI for support. Alan moved into our emergency accommodation, Mountbatten Pavilion, and was given wraparound support. Gradually, he regained hope that life would get easier.

Alan decided that he wanted to raise money for RBLI and the Tommy Club so he could give back and help other veterans in the future, as he had been helped. A skydive has been on Alan’s bucket list for a very long time. In 2005, Alan’s late father challenged himself to take on a Skydive when he was 80 years old! This gave Alan the inspiration to follow in his father’s footsteps and take on this challenge for himself.

Her military spirit has stayed with her for her entire life. At the age of 90, she lived alone as her husband, suffering with dementia, was in a care home. One night, Joan was the victim of an attempted burglary. However, her military might saw her successfully fight off the perpetrators with nothing taken in the end from Joan’s home.

Sadly however, her sense of loneliness and anxiety increased after this distressing incident. After a short time in hospital Joan did not want to be sent home and was referred to RBLI where she could receive much-needed support to help her regain her confidence.

In 2015, Joan moved into RBLI’s assisted living accommodation, Queen Elizabeth Court and became a very active member of the community. Now in her late nineties, Joan has recently moved to our new dementia care facility, Bradbury House.

Alan has managed to raise over £900 so far for RBLI and the Tommy Club, and counting. We are so proud of him for taking on this challenge and cannot thank him enough for supporting us.

I have got to say, RBLI is probably one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. They gave me a place of sanctuary, a place of hope, a place where I regained respect for my life again. I’m me again, in fact, a better me now.

is

She is one of the Tommy Club’s biggest ambassadors and is extremely supportive of our work.

FANCY THE CHALLENGE?

Visit rbli.co.uk/skydive or call our fundraising team on 01622 795943 to find out how you can take part in a skydive for RBLI.

With the support of RBLI, who have helped me tremendously, I would like to help them help other veterans in the same way by doing my little bit.

THE GRAPEVINE

YOUR SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY

NEIL GETS A BUCKETFUL!

In August, Silver Champion, Neil took to the streets of Canterbury with his “mini helper” collecting for the Tommy Club.

With bucket in hand Neil was able to raise a staggering £704.04!!

He also received a great donation of 12 doughnuts from a delivery driver which he gave away to others.

Huge thanks go out to Neil and his helper, as well as the generous people of Canterbury.

WAYNE’S WINTER FAN DANCE

Wayne is starting the first event in his 12-month challenge. Rather than letting himself in gently he has opted to dive into the deep end and has signed up to do the Winter Fan Dance in January.

For those not in the know, the ‘Fan Dance’ is part of the SAS selection designed to weed out as many people as possible in the early stages.

Best of luck Wayne, we know you can do it!

MATT GEARS UP FOR SLEEP OUT

When Silver Champion Matt completed the Great Tommy Sleep Out for the second year running, he decided to try it with the help of a bivvy bag – rather than the old blankets he had used the previous year.

Matt posted a very thought-provoking post on Facebook the following week:

“I completed my sleepout challenge last weekend and it certainly gave me pause for thought. I chose nights to avoid the worst of weather and had good kit. Not everyone (including many veterans) are fortunate enough to have that choice. I hope to support the challenge again next year!”

There is such great camaraderie on the group and everyone who takes part is very supportive. Definitely makes you appreciate your creature comforts and a brew!

HELEN HURST SILVER CHAMPION AND SLEEP OUT SUPERSTAR

Helen completed our Great Tommy Sleepout Challenge and shared a few photos on her Facebook page.

TOMMY HITS THE BEACH!

Paul added some fun to the group by sending pictures of Tommy on tour. Lucky Tommy was snapped at the beach, by the pool and even in bed whilst in Sharm elSheikh. A well-deserved break indeed!

GARRY’S GREAT WOODLAND SLEEP OUT

Despite being woken in the early hours by foxes, Garry enjoyed (or perhaps endured) a night in the woods for his Great Tommy Sleepout Challenge. Well done Garry!

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!

FOR

DIARY

WINTER WALK CHALLENGE

EVENT DATE: 28 & 29 January 2023

LOCATION: London

MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/winter-walk-challenge

Full Marathon & Half Marathon options, starting & finishing at The Oval Cricket Ground.

10,000 STEPS A DAY IN JANUARY

EVENT DATE: January 2023

LOCATION: Wherever you choose!

MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/tommy-10000-step-challenge We challenge you to take on 10,000 steps a day for 31 days, the distance travelled by

MARCH

THE GREAT TOMMY SLEEP OUT 2023

EVENT DATE: March 2023

LOCATION: Various across the UK

MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/ the-great-tommy-sleepout-2023

It’s back! Sleep under the stars to raise awareness and vital funds for veterans.

LONDON LANDMARKS HALF MARATHON

EVENT DATE: 2 April 2023

LOCATION: London

MORE INFO: rbli.co.uk/llhm

Join #TeamBrave to run on closed roads around London’s spectacular cityscape.

RIDE WITH A VETERAN

EVENT DATE: 14 - 16 July 2023

LOCATION: Cycle from Aylesford in Kent to Ypres in Belgium

MORE INFO: Watch this space!

Join veterans and fellow fundraisers of all abilities in an epic ride to the Menin Gate in Ypres.

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

Registered Charity Number: England & Wales 210063. Scotland SC048795

Royal

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION INDUSTRIES IS HOME OF THE TOMMY RBLI, Hall Rd, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NL

Royal British Legion Industries

British Legion Industries @RBLI @rblicharity

Cover image: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visiting RBLI in 2019