The Lord-Lieutenant, The Viscount De L’Isle CVO MBE, greets Her Majesty The Queen on arrival at RBLI. (c) Rob Berry.
HM The Queen visited Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) village at Aylesford, on 6th November to celebrate their centenary year, a special anniversary for a charity that’s been offering vital support to former armed forces staff, military veterans and their families for 100 years. The village provides a home for more than 300 residents as well as offering welfare, training and employment opportunities.
The Vice-Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Richard Oldfield OBE DL, greeting Her Majesty. (c) Rob Berry.
The Queen saw the first phase of a new development of specially adapted apartments for wounded former servicemen and women, and met many of the village’s residents.
HMQ unveils a plaque to celebrate the opening of Appleton Lodge. (c) Rob Berry.
Her Majesty spoke with many war veterans and their families during her visit and also with some of the military veterans and civilians who make road signs at the RBLI’s on-site social enterprise branded Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company.
HM The Queen buried a time capsule, which includes a letter from herself among the contents, to be opened in a hundred years time.(c) Rob Berry.
She told the Chief Executive she was delighted to spend time with veterans and their families – whose lives have been transformed by RBLI village.
The RBLI will now embark on a £22million expansion programme for the veterans of the next 100 years.
The Lord-Lieutenant and Viscountess De L’Isle sharing a light-hearted moment while bidding farewell to Her Majesty, pictured with from left, Mr Steve Sherry CMG OBE, CEO, RBLI; Mr Stephen Kingsman DL, Chairman, RBLI; and General Sir Gordon Messenger KCB DSO* OBE, Patron of RBLI’s Centenary Village Fundraising Campaign. (c) Rob Berry.
