The latest from RBLI’s divisions

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.