Cold War Files

This site is a great resource for almost everything to do with the Cold War - Well worth a visit.

HERE

The Poppy Shop

Why not make an on-line visit to The Poppy Shop 

The Poppy Shop is the online store for The Royal British Legion and all purchases made from the Poppy Shop help to fund the work of the Legion, providing practical support and advice to Service personnel, past and present, and their families.

The Legion spends nearly £1.4 million a week delivering health and welfare support so every penny helps. Please include a donation when you reach the checkout.

More information about The Royal British Legion and its work can be found on the Legion's website at www.britishlegion.org.uk

You can visit The Poppy Shop HERE

Forces Pension Society

The Forces Pension Society was formed in 1946 to fight for the pension rights of Service men and women.

There have been huge improvements in Service pensions in recent years, and few if any would have been achieved (and none of the difficult legacy issues resolved) without the campaigning zeal of the Society.

The new Armed Forces Pension Scheme, which came into force in 2006 (2005 for new entrants), owes its acceptability to the Society's rigorous scrutiny of its evolution over several years.

Even so, it is inevitable that new anomalies will emerge to haunt retired Service people in future, the resolution of which will require the expertise of the Society.

Meanwhile, there remain thousands of people (including widows and widowers) on the old pension scheme, who very often need help to sort out problems.

No other independent organisation has the necessary knowledge to fight the Armed Forces pensioner’s corner.

Their ability to do so depends on attracting a steady stream of new members from all three Services and from others who are eligible to join the Society.

Whether you’re already retired or want to protect and maximise your Service pension in the future, now is the time to join them and support their work – click here to see how easy it is to join.

RAF Cosford - National Cold War Exhibition

Fancy a great day out this summer? Why not take your friends and family to... 

The National Cold War Exhibition at RAF Museum Cosford near Birmingham

Admission is free to the museum in the West Midlands, which houses 70 aircraft and is home to War Planes, Missiles, Transport & Training and Research & Development collections. The National Cold War Exhibition with its interactive kiosks and hotspots gives visitors a chance to see what life was like behind the Iron Curtain.

Explore the Cold War Online

Explore the RAF Cosford archives, learn about the people, aircraft and ships involved in the Cold War. For example, The Vulcan was the world's first large bomber to employ a delta-wing form, which offers a unique combination of good load carrying capabilities, high subsonic speed at high altitudes and long range.

Cold War Timeline | Aircraft on Display | Other Aircraft |Biographies | Countries | Missiles | Ships | Squadrons | Submarines | Vehicles

Please note whilst entry to the museum is Free to all visitors there is a small car parking charge at the Museum. 

Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade

Every year in May/June there are three Trooping the Colour parades:

The Major General's Review

This is the first rehearsal for the parade and takes place on the Saturday two weeks before the Queen's Birthday Parade.

The Colonel's Review

This is the second rehearsal and takes place on the Saturday one week before the Queen's Birthday Parade.

The Queens Birthday Parade on Horse Guards Parade 

This is the actual parade.

Major General George Norton CBE,

Major General Commanding the Household Division and General Officer Commanding London District, will take the salute at The Major General's Review on Saturday 2nd June 2012. Tickets must be obtained for seats.  

The BNTVA have 10 tickets for The Major General's Review on Saturday 2nd June 2012 If you would like to attend this impressive and memorable event please contact Jeff Liddiatt either on 0208 144 3080 or email vice-chairman@bntva.com

The Poppy Factory

Since 1922, The Poppy Factory (originally called the Disabled Society) has been employing wounded, sick and injured ex-Service personnel in its Factory. Major George Howson MC, who served on the Western Front, set up ‘The Disabled Society’ in 1922 in the Old Kent Road with the sole purpose of producing poppies, with the workforce being severely wounded veterans from WW1. In 1925, The Poppy Factory moved to Richmond, Surrey and there it continues to make poppies, remembrance crosses, sprays and wreaths for The Royal British Legion’s annual Appeal and Remembrance Day. The Poppy Factory is also responsible for planting and hosting The Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. 

The Poppy Factory warmly welcome visitors on pre-arranged tours of The Poppy Factory. These tours can be for individuals (where we would add you to anothergroup or we may combine small groups together) or for parties of up to maximum of 42 people. You don't have to be Chelsea pensioner to visit them! Enjoy a fascinating presentation and introductory film about the Factory and its history and then visit the ‘shop floor’, giving you the opportunity to meet some of their colleagues and see how poppies and wreaths are made. A selection of souvenirs including The Poppy Factory china is available to purchase from their shop at the end of the tour.

Guided tours can be arranged from Monday to Thursday, starting at 10.30am or 1.30pm. The tour takes about 2 hours including tea and biscuits. Groups of all ages are welcome including school groups, scout and guide groups (above age 6 years). Presentations are adapted to suit younger groups. The Poppy Factory is fully accessible to weelchair users and people with mobility problems.

The Poppy Factory, 20 Petersham Rd, Richmond, Greater London TW10 6UR 

Tel: 020 8940 3305  Registered Charity No.225348

Find more information about the Poppy Factory and how you can visit click HERE 

Homes from home

The RAF Association and the RAF Benevolent Fund jointly own and run three respite care homes situated across the country in some of England's most picturesque locations.

Their Homes from Home offer respite short stays and breaks. The fully trained and friendly staff are able to provide specialised care and support for those who need that little extra assistance, with facilities available to cater for a wide variety of needs.

Each of the homes provides a warm and friendly environment with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded people.

To find out more visit the Homes from Home website 

HERE