Royal British Legion Banbury

05/06/2026

🪖🪖 COMING SOON - BANBURY ARMED FORCES DAY 2026 🪖🪖
⭐ Military Parade! Vehicles! Laser Tag! Emergency Services Zone! ⭐
📍Where: Spiceball Park (OX16 2AY)
⏰ When: Saturday 27th June, 11:00am - 4:00pm

It's nearly time for the return of a firm favourite town event - Armed Forces Day, returning for 2026! Join us once again in Spiceball Park for this special celebration of the Armed Forces -- now featuring the Emergency Services!

Here's just a taste of what you can look forward to:
📣 FREE ACTIVITIES - We've got arena displays, a climbing wall and much more fun for the whole family, completely FREE of CHARGE.
📣 FREE ENTRY - Enjoy this special event with us at no cost to enter!
📣 MILITARY PARADE - Personnel and representatives from an array of regiments will kick off the day with a memorable parade.
📣 LIVE MUSIC, FOOD & DRINK - It wouldn't be a Banbury Town Council Event without local talent performing, as well as stalls selling hot food and delicious drinks!

And that's not all! With the Emergency Services joining us for this event, don't forget to head over to the Emergency Services Zone, which will feature vehicles, activities, and a special CPR challenge!

It's going to be an exciting day, so stay tuned for more updates by following us here on Facebook or at on Instagram!

1460 (Banbury) Squadron Air Cadets 165 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC Royal British Legion Banbury Royal British Legion Sea Cadets Banbury Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force Ministry of Defence Royal Air Force Royal Navy

06/05/2026

This Friday 8th May is (VE Day Commemoration) at Glebefields Care Home, Drayton.
They have invited members of the RBL to have tea with the residents @ 4pm.
If you would like to join me on the visit, then please let me know.

Thanks Chris

04/05/2026

Reminder of tomorrow evening branch meeting (Tuesday 5th May) @ 7.45pm.
Looking forward to seeing those that can make it….

01/05/2026

However you're spending the bank holiday, we want you to know that you're not alone

If you need advice, practical support, or just someone to talk to, our team is ready to help over the weekend. Our support line remains open daily from 8am to 8pm.

Call us for free on 0808 802 8080.

16/04/2026

Royal British Legion National Remembrance Gardens.

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.

14/04/2026

The stressors of a life in service can continue even after leaving the military.

Stress doesn’t disappear with a uniform, and for the Armed Forces community, it can take many forms.

However stress shows up for you, we’re here to provide support – whatever the need, whenever it’s needed.

Share this with someone you care about 💙

08/04/2026

Joining the Armed Forces was not on Helen’s career bingo card. Fresh out of university and on her way to the Canadian embassy to finalise her plans for a new life in Canada, she stumbled on the Armed Forces Careers Office. Before she knew it her curiosity had landed her a place in the Royal Navy, and her life changed forever.

This was 2001, shortly after the Twin Towers fell. Life in the Armed Forces began with deployment to Iraq with the Nursing Service.

After meeting her future husband, Helen was thrown another curveball when she fell pregnant. She left the Navy to get married and start her family.

Sadly the marriage broke down some years later, leaving Helen alone with her nine year-old daughter, wondering how she would make ends meet. Luckily she had a friend who recommended calling the Royal British Legion.

“Within two or three days, I got vouchers through the post and furniture to be able to move into my first house as a single mum, and a new bed for my daughter.”

“It just gave me that little bit of self back”, Helen told us. “I didn't have to worry about where my finances were coming from. I could just concentrate on coping with the situation.”

The support Helen received allowed her to prioritise her daughter, and now, it’s Helen’s turn. Chasing the pinnacle of a love of running that’s been years in the making, she’s taking on the London Marathon to give back to the cause that helped her get back on her feet.

Helen cares deeply for her Armed Forces community, and is determined to endure all the challenges along the way to raise funds and awareness for RBL’s support services.

“I will do everything - the tears, the wind, the rain, even the snow - it means nothing compared to what RBL have done for me.”

Helen, we are so proud to have you on Team RBL ❤️ If Helen’s story sounds familiar to you, remember that we’ve got your back. Give us a call on 0808 802 8080 if you need support.

07/04/2026

Reminder of this evenings branch meeting 7.45pm, at Highmarket House.
Looking forward to seeing those that can make it….

05/01/2026

Happy New Year to you all.
For those that can make it, our 1st branch meeting of the year will be held tomorrow evening at High Market House, at our normal time of 7.45pm
I understand that some of you won’t want to venture out, just send me your apologies, but I will still be in attendance…..Thanks