The Royal British Legion will as usual be organising the Ex-Service and Civilian Contingents attending the Parade and Service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall, on Remembrance Sunday, 11th November 2018.

As last year, we expect to be invited to send a contingent of Four (4) members, to take part in this unique national event, in the heart of London.

Due to heightened security measures the Metropolitan Police need to conduct individual security checks on all participants. Therefore, basic personal information will need to be provided in advance for each applicant.

Ticket holders will need to bring both photographic ID and a document showing proof of address with them for access to Horse Guards Parade via the staffed Police entry points on the day.

We are now taking applications from Branch Members, to take part in the Parade and Service.

Those applications must include the following information to enable us to complete the online electronic application process:

Title/Rank

First Name (this must be the name on photo ID)

Last Name

Date of Birth (please use the format DD/MM/YYYY)

Place of Birth

First line of address

Town

Postcode

Military number (where applicable)

Telephone Number

Email address

We will endeavour to be as fair as possible in the allocation of tickets, to give the whole country the opportunity to be represented, with preference given to those who have not previously attended.

Those nominated must be NARPO members.

Nationally as a result of the reduced number of places available the NEC have decided that tickets will be allocated to Branches on the following basis:

Branches with under 1,000 members      maximum of 3 nominations

Branches with over 1,000 members        maximum of 4 nominations

Branches with over 2,000 members        maximum of 5 nominations

For those attending, members will assemble not later than 10.00am in Whitehall, at the marker board allocated to NARPO. Members will be representing NARPO and should be prepared to accept that they should dress appropriately and similarly.

Members should be aware of the physical demands of standing in Whitehall for at least one and a half hours and then marching for a distance of at least one and a half miles, possibly in inclement weather. They should also be aware of the tight security measures, which will be in place on the day.

These arrangements are subject to change and further detailed information will be circulated to those members selected to attend together with the tickets for the event nearer the time.

It should be noted that the tickets for the parade, issued by the Royal British Legion, are not normally circulated until late October.

We as a Branch need to respond with the relevant information as detailed earlier in this Circular of those wishing to be considered, to the Branch Secretary in the first instance, to allow for the central collation of nominations by Branches.

Due to the electronic application process, applications will formally close on 30th June A 2018

As well as being a great event, this is an opportunity to highlight NARPO in the national media. The BBC does contact NARPO and other organisations prior to the parade for any information about the organisation itself and parade participants. They are particularly interested in personal stories about the significance of the event to participants and their families. If any member attending the parade has such a story, please contact the Deputy CEO.

As in previous years, a meal will be provided for each NARPO member attending the parade. This year’s meal will be provided at the Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, Westminster. This venue is conveniently located opposite Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. Members attending will be provided with a set three course meal, including a hot or cold drink.

As in the past, NARPO will pick up the cost of meals for members participating in the parade. Should any attending guests wish to take up the meal, the cost will be £22.80 per person.

Please indicate on your return if any vegetarian options are required.

Meal tickets will be issued nearer the date and sent out to attendees together with the relevant parade ticket issued by the British Legion.

John Kennedy

Branch Secretary