900 women pay tribute to service personnel and families

“It is fantastic seeing so many of our members come together under one roof and hear about the many ways in which the money they have worked so hard to raise has helped veterans and armed forces families in need,”

says Marilyn Humphry, The Royal British Legion Women’s Section National Chairman.

“Being Dorset born and bred, it is both an honour and privilege for me to welcome members to Bournemouth for this year’s conference”.

The event starts with a National Standard Bearers competition in Bournemouth International Centre Purbeck Hall at 1pm on Tuesday 14 April, when the winners of the regional competitions compete to become the Women’s Section National Standard Bearer, who will go on to represent the Women’s Section at a host of national events. The National Chairman will later welcome VIP guests and friends of the Women’s Section at an evening reception at The Days Hotel. The conference opens on Wednesday 15 April with a service in the Tregonwell Hall at 10am, followed by the election of national officers and a packed conference agenda.

This year’s guest speakers include novelist and screenwriter, Julian Fellowes, creator of the period drama series Downton Abbey, and Chelsea Pensioner Brian Cumming, a much-decorated Royal Corps of Signals veteran who was made an MBE for his welfare work at the Ministry of Defence following his retirement from the army.

The conference is a special time for remembrance, particularly in light of the First World War centenary commemoration, and local people and visitors are being invited to join the Women’s Section at a ceremony on Wednesday 15 April to remember all those who have laid down their lives for their country.

At around 4pm, over 60 Standard Bearers will parade from Bournemouth International Centre, through Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, accompanied by The Royal Artillery Band and led by Poole town crier David Squire, the world’s longest-serving town crier. The Worshipful The Mayor of Bournemouth, Councillor Chris Mayne, and other local dignitaries will salute them as they pass through Bournemouth Square, before a wreath-laying ceremony at the War Memorial at 4.30pm. The ceremony draws to a dramatic close with a Beating Retreat at sunset.

“The Royal British Legion Women’s Section last visited Bournemouth eight years ago and we are delighted to welcome them back for their 94th Annual Conference,” says BH Live Director of Venues, Pat Coyne. “The parade through the Lower Gardens, in particular, will be a spectacular event to help raise awareness and funds to enable the Women’s Section to continue their good work, while remembering the many lives lost in all wars.”

To find out more about the conference, visit rblws.org.uk