Chipping Norton Royal British Legion

11/06/2026

06/06/2026

Today, Peter and Tjark were honoured to take part in the D-Day commemoration at the Harwell Stone, marking 82 years since the airborne troops departed from RAF Harwell on their historic mission to help liberate Europe.

The ceremony brought together members of the community to remember the courage, sacrifice, and determination of the soldiers who, on the night of 5–6 June 1944, boarded aircraft and gliders bound for Normandy. These brave men formed part of the airborne forces that spearheaded Operation Overlord, paving the way for the D-Day landings and the eventual liberation of Nazi-occupied Europe.

Standing at the Harwell Stone, participants reflected on the extraordinary events of 82 years ago and paid tribute to all those who served, fought, and gave their lives for freedom. The commemoration served as a powerful reminder of the debt owed to the generation whose bravery helped shape the future of Europe and preserve the values we continue to cherish today.

We will remember them.

22/05/2026

Today, two branch members attended theNational Memorial Arboretumm for the RBL “Remembering the Iraq War – 15 Years On” service.

It was a fitting tribute to the 179 servicemen and women who lost their lives, and to all those who were injured during the conflict.

We remember their sacrifice, courage, and service.

10/05/2026

Today Peter Clarke and Tjark Andrews Joined other Oxfordshire Stdbearers and the Parachute Regiment association for a VE service in Bladon.

Today marked the 81st Anniversary of the end of hostilities in Europe (8 May 1945), commemorated with a Service at the Parish Church of St Martin, Bladon.

The event was organised by the Parachute Regiment, led by John Hall, with support from the Oxfordshire County Royal British Legion Chair, Fiona Lovesey, assisted by County Parade Marshal Pete Clarke. Standard Bearers from across the county were proudly represented, including:

Tjark Andrews – Oxfordshire County Standard Bearer
Natallie Buxton – Bampton RBL
John Green – Henley RBL
David Mannering – Nettlebed RBL
Trevor Butler – Carterton and District RBL

The commemoration also included a solemn tribute at the graveside of Sir Winston Churchill, adding particular significance to the occasion.

Following the service, The White House Bladon generously hosted honoured guests, veterans, and cadets, providing a fitting setting for reflection and remembrance.

Photo courtesy of the White House Bladon

07/05/2026

Thank you to Penhurst Gardens Care Home, Chipping Norton for the invitation to listen to the D-Day Dollies to mark VE Day

18/04/2026

Come to our guest speaker evening on Tuesday, and pick up your own 2026 poppy pin or RBL Supporting our armed forces pins, door open 19:30 starts at 20:00

16/04/2026

The National Memorial Arboretum is changing its name.

We are pleased to announce today that from September 2026 the National Memorial Arboretum will be known as the Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.

The RBL has been the Arboretum’s parent charity since 2003, and the two charities recently merged as one. The name change is inspired by RBL’s vision to bring society together to recognise, remember, and support the Armed Forces community and reflects the site’s role at the centre of our Remembrance work.

Since it opened to the public 25 years ago, the destination has grown into a beautiful and inspiring place where everyone can celebrate lives lived and remember lives lost and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors each year. As part of our aims to evolve Remembrance and widen participation, the site will bring more people together to reflect, learn and remember service and sacrifice.

RBL National Remembrance Gardens describes a place that invites people in, not just to reflect, but to take an active part in Remembrance.

The Arboretum’s founder, Commander (Rtd) David Childs CBE, has expressed his strong support for the development, praising RBL for its stewardship of the site and how it has helped it flourish.

From a seed of an idea to the nation’s year-round place to remember, the Arboretum has been shaped by the people who care for it. That shared commitment from employees, volunteers, supporters and communities will continue as it enters its next chapter as the RBL National Remembrance Gardens.

31/03/2026

Shipton RBL have invited us to join them on the 25th April for breakfast on Anzac’s day see poster for more info.

29/03/2026

Would you like to Sponsor a Poppy Plaque during the Remembrance period see poster for more information.

29/03/2026

We have two fantastic events happening in April, the first is in Tuesday 21st we have a guest speaker a talk all things veterans related to the NHS and how best it can serve you. Second is St George day quiz held on Thursday 23rd both events will be held at th Crown and Cushion Hotel.