Royal British Legion Bracknell Branch

21/10/2026

We're proud to support The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal with the return of our pop-up Poppy Shop.

From Saturday 24 October to Friday 6 November, visit the Poppy Shop opposite Brown Bag on the High Street, 10am to 4pm daily, to pick up your poppies and merchandise.

Plus, look out for the poppy pod display by Crafting Smiles 編織微笑 on Braccan Walk from Friday 23 October.

A huge thank you to all the volunteers making this possible ❤️

23/09/2026

RAF training aircraft crashes in Wales - two pilots injured after ejecting

The pilots had been flying a Hawk T2 aircraft out of the RAF Valley station when the plane crashed on Wednesday. An investigation is under way.

17/09/2026

We will have our gazebo onsite so do come and say hello
https://www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/leisure-and-events/events/bracknell-forest-communities-festival-2026

Sometimes all it takes is one conversation to find your new community.

Many of the groups you'll meet at the Stronger Together Communities Festival help people build confidence, stay active, improve wellbeing and create lasting friendships.

Come along to Bond Square on Saturday, 26 September between 12 noon and 5pm to meet local groups and enjoy the live entertainment.

See link in comments for more details.

17/09/2026

https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26557148.uk-raf-base-celebrates-return-iconic-piece-aviation-history/

RAF Benson hosted a rededication to its restored Spitfire Gate Guardian aircraft.

14/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Friends of Nepal UK to Hold Candlelight Vigil at Ascot War Memorial

Friends of Nepal UK will hold a public candlelight vigil at Ascot War Memorial on Wednesday 16 September 2026 at
1830hrs, in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in the devastating Bhote Koshi floods in Nepal and in
solidarity with all those affected.
According to the Government of Nepal’s situation update of 8 September, 1,357 bodies had been recovered and around
5,300 people remained missing. Search, rescue, identification and relief operations remain under way, and the figures
continue to be updated.
The vigil will bring together the Nepalese and British communities, friends of Nepal and the wider local community to
remember those who have died, hold in thought and prayer those who remain missing and their families, and stand
alongside the people of Nepal at a time of profound loss.
Friends of Nepal UK said:
“At a time of immense loss for the people of Nepal, we wish simply to stand together — in remembrance,
solidarity and hope. We warmly invite all who wish to show their respect and support for Nepal to join us in
this quiet act of remembrance.”

NEPAL VIGIL

Wednesday 16 September 2026 — 1830hrs
Ascot War Memorial
High Street, Ascot, SL5 7JH
All are welcome.

For more about Friends of Nepal UK, visit www.friendsofnepal.co.uk

12/09/2026

📸 Could your photography help make a difference?

We're looking for volunteer photographers across the UK to help capture the stories that make up the Royal Navy community.

From family events and community activities to fundraising challenges and support programmes, your images could help us showcase the impact of our work, raise awareness and inspire more people to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Whether you're a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, we'd love to hear from you.

Complete our short form to register your interest: https://snra4jc54f7.typeform.com/to/wB8JCM9N

12/09/2026

We were in the Lexicon today promoting the Branch and talking to the public about where they can find us now the RBL building in town is closed.

06/09/2026

The opening of the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veterans and members of the Armed Forces who have died by su***de is taking place on Sunday 13th September.

Located at the National Memorial Arboretum, The Elysium Memorial offers families, friends and colleagues a dedicated place to remember their loved ones, honour their service, and reflect together.

On arrival at the memorial, guests will receive a formal welcome outlining the purpose of the memorial and what it represents. Speeches of thanks will then be given.

The lament Flowers of the Forest will be played by a piper, before a Chaplain/Padre will lead the dedication and offer prayers and a ribbon cutting ceremony will be followed by The Funeral performed by the trumpet player.

Guests will then be invited to lay their own wreaths, speak with representatives from the Elysium Memorial Foundation, and share stories and memories of their loved ones.

The Elysium Memorial charity's ongoing mission is to reduce the risk of su***de by raising awareness of the complexities of mental health faced by those who have served or are still serving.

The charity’s aim is to make the subject easier to talk about for both those who have suffered a loss and those who are struggling with su***de ideation. By making people aware of the memorial it is hoped that they will find some comfort and also bring the subject out of the shadows.

This event is free to attend you do not need to book NMA tickets, however if you are travelling by car you will need to pay car park, which you can do in advance at £5.

For more details about the event please go to Elysium Memorial Dedication page on the National Memorial Arboretum website: https://www.thenma.org.uk/what's-on/events/elysium-memorial-dedication-ceremony

03/09/2026

03/09/2026

Berkshire Veterans Group Drop-In Centre
We are a support group for the Armed Forces Community
The drop-in centre is a quiet, safe space aimed at providing wellbeing support to military veterans and their loved ones in Berkshire and the surrounding areas.

No appointment is needed, just turn up and drop in.
Open to anyone connected to the Armed Forces Community whether Serving, Veteran, Family or Carers.
Providing a confidential space to meet with likeminded people and to get support from a small number of Veteran specific services.

Opening Times and Location
Third Wednesday of each month: 1100 to 1400
Crowthorne Community Fire Station
275 High Street, Crowthorne, Berkshire RG45 7AH
Free parking nearby at the Morgan Recreation Ground.
Nearest bus stop: Crowthorne High Street.

Contact us
For Support: Op COURAGE NHS Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing
Service: South East (Provided by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust)

Phone: 0300 365 2000 (Option 4)
Drop-In Centre:

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.opcouragesoutheast.nhs.uk/ - use the “Make a referral” option.

Welcome to Op COURAGE South East. Free NHS mental health service military veterans & reserves in Berks, Bucks, Hants, IoW, Kent, Ox, Surrey & Sussex