Hillsborough RBL Women's Section.

1st July 1916 - 1st July 2024 .

108th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme.

Thinking of all those, including the many from our own community and families who were killed at the Battle of the Somme, which lasted until the 18th November 1916. With the first day bringing catastrophic losses and with 19,240 British dead, it remains the worst day in the history of the British Army.

Men from both sides of the religious divide in Ireland fought side by side in the 36th Ulster and 16th Irish Divisions and their service and sacrifices will never be forgotten.

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day .

It was a privilege to attend the Drumhead Service at Whiteabbey War Memorial this morning and then parade behind the Standards of the Royal British Legion , Royal British Legion Women’s Section and Regimental Associations, with other legion members and veterans as the parade made its way along the Shore Road to Jordanstown Loughshore Park.

Following the parade the Red Arrows amazed us with their one and only display in Northern Ireland this year as they gracefully flew in the skies over Belfast Lough.

Lovely to see our Armed Forces being remembered, celebrated and recognised , thank you to Janet from the NI WS District for welcoming us so warmly this morning.

A celebration to give thanks for the eventual victory of D Day , 80 years ago this week. 🙏

It was an absolute pleasure to work with other local community groups to mark DDay 80 in Royal Hillsborough. Thanks to all those who attended and to all those, including Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council who helped make today happen! 🇬🇧

Today is the day!! 😀 Everyone welcome 🤗

Free event Saturday 8th June 2pm to 4pm to commemorate D Day in Hillsborough Organised by local community groups on Hillsborough Parish Green.
We have something for all the family with Paula Kay singing 40s songs on the stage to large kids lawn games, face painter with Glitter and Gore Parties, Downshire Primary School Pupils have all done some fantastic art work which will be displayed.
Information Boards on D Day and its history plus WW2 memorabilia on the green to get hands on with
Vintage motorcycles and Royal British Legion Riders Branch.
Hot & cold refreshments, snacks, D day buns and fish bites with chips (ltd numbers). Special thanks to St Malachys Parish Church, Tori’s Coffee Bakes & Cakes, Chip Hawker, Lisburn City & Castlereagh Council and all involved.

Some photos from Castle Gardens , Lisburn at last night’s Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s D Day 80 community commemoration and beacon lighting ceremony.

A varied programme of musical performances from local musicians,singers, schools and bands with the highlight of the evening being the Band , Bugles , Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment delivering a perfect performance of music including the powerful theme tune from “ Band of Brothers” and rousing Irish Regimental military marches .

The evening finished off with the lighting of the D Day 80 Beacon.

A lovely event to honour, say thank you and remember the sacrifices made for us all 80 years ago in Northern France.

Everyone is welcome tomorrow, Parish Church Green ,
Royal Hillsborough - 2pm - 4pm.

Saturday 8th June 2pm - 4pm Hillsborough Parish Church Green, community groups from the village have jointly organised a commemoration event to recognise all those that played apart in D Day from the farmers to the fishermen who kept the nation fed during WWII and the young men & women who went abroad to serve in bringing peace.

on the day the fantastic singer Paula Kay, kids lawn games & entertainment along with WWII memorabilia and info boards on D Day plus the Royal British Legion riders Branch and vintage motorcycle club from Lurgan

A special thanks to Hillsborough Parish Church on the use of the church green. Tori’s bakery who will providing the buns and Chip Hawker in the village for the fish and chips.

Thanks to the Local Community Groups - Dunbeg Ashvale & Kilwarlin Community Group, Royal Hillsborough RBL, Hillsborough Fort Guard, Hillsborough Old Guard & Hillsborough Working Together for coming together with the help of LCCC to run these events for the community.

A lovely evening in Lisburn to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”

6th June 1944 - 6th June 2024.

Some of our members attended a short Act of Remembrance at our village War Memorial this evening ,to lay a wreath in memory of all those who gave their lives 80 years ago on D Day and the days and weeks following 6th June 1944. We will be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice for us . We remembered our own family members and sadly departed members of our branch and their service in Europe ,North Africa and the Far East and we also gave thanks for the members of our branch 80 years ago who actively supported “their boys on the front” throughout the Second World War. Tonight finished off our first legion year since reforming , what a year it has been . Thank you ❤️

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

On this day, 80 years ago, the first part of the invasion fleet sets off for Normandy.

Two Royal Navy mini submarines will stay submerged until D-Day where they will guide Allied craft at Juno and Sword beaches.

Four days to go.

Today at Drumlough Orange Hall.

Following on from our Spring Lunch this Saturday, our next event is a commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of D-Day, on Saturday 1st June from 1pm.

Families and friends all welcome, kids bouncy castle and light bites for all! 🏰

Our friends in Rathfriland Women’s Section are having a sit down D- Day Afternoon Tea in Rathfriland on Saturday 8th June , if interested please get in touch and we can put you in contact with the branch .

Saturday 8th June 2pm - 4pm Hillsborough Parish Church Green, community groups from the village have jointly organised a commemoration event to recognise all those that played apart in D Day from the farmers to the fishermen who kept the nation fed during WWII and the young men & women who went abroad to serve in bringing peace.

on the day the fantastic singer Paula Kay, kids lawn games & entertainment along with WWII memorabilia and info boards on D Day plus the Royal British Legion riders Branch and vintage motorcycle club from Lurgan

A special thanks to Hillsborough Parish Church on the use of the church green. Tori’s bakery who will providing the buns and Chip Hawker in the village for the fish and chips.

Thanks to the Local Community Groups - Dunbeg Ashvale & Kilwarlin Community Group, Royal Hillsborough RBL, Hillsborough Fort Guard, Hillsborough Old Guard & Hillsborough Working Together for coming together with the help of LCCC to run these events for the community.

By now, troops that will land in Normandy on D-Day and immediately afterwards are in camps all along the south coast. The troops may not leave. Many are briefed on their task, but the majority still do not know exactly where the landings will take place.

7 days to go.

‘The role Northern Ireland
played on DDay’
A talk and presentation will be given by Colonel (Retired) Don Bigger Late RE, Corps Historian Royal Engineers.
Monday 3rd June
8.00 pm
Hillsborough Fort Guard HQ
( on Church Green behind the war memorial)
Admission free and refreshments provided.

This event is funded as part of the Lisburn Castlereagh City Council
D Day 80 commemorations.
Visit Lisburn Castlereagh

🔥 Join us as we honour the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a beacon lighting ceremony at Castle Gardens, Lisburn, on Thursday, 6th June at 6:30 PM.

🎼The main act of the night will be the renowned Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, with additional performances by the Leading Ladies, Beechlawn School’s Makaton Choir, Friends School Lisburn, and the Lisburn Young Defenders Flute Band.

💻 Don’t forget, limited tickets to be seated at this free event in Castle Gardens are available at: https://www.laganvalleyisland.co.uk/whats-on/event?id=381226APKMKMQLLRQKGTSVCKDJSBDGGDK

There’s lots of standing room too so come along on 6 June to enjoy the entertainment and join with nations across the world as we light the D-Day 80 Beacon.

Come to Lisburn on Thursday 6th June for a full day programme of events commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day!

These FREE events in Castle Gardens are open to the public offering a mix of poignant proceedings and educational interactive workshops - there’ll be something for everyone!

The concluding beacon lighting event at 6.30pm has TICKETED SEATING.

To register for an unreserved seat go to https://www.laganvalleyisland.co.uk/en/whats-on/event?id=381226APKMKMQLLRQKGTSVCKDJSBDGGDK

Standing space will also be available for anyone who doesn’t require a seat.

For more information on our D-Day 80 programme go to https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/d-day-80

Come to Lisburn to commemorate D-DAY 80

On Thursday 6th June, Lisburn will host a day of commemorative events to mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings, remembering those who sacrificed so much for peace and freedom 80 years ago.

We have an impressive programme of events and activities taking place in Lisburn. The day will be filled with a mix of poignant proceedings as well as opportunities to discover what life what really like in 1944.

Transport assistance is available for schools and community groups attending the outdoor exhibition and educational workshops in Castle Gardens throughout the day.

Read more at: https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/come-to-lisburn-to-commemorate-d-day-80-

To view the full D-Day 80 programme visit: https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/d-day-80

Lisburn City Centre Visit Lisburn Castlereagh Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum

We had a great night supporting SSAFA and the Cancer Fund for Children.Excellent performances from everyone, well done to all those involved in making it such an enjoyable evening.

Today, 8th May 2024, marks 79 years since VE Day - the end of the Second World War in Europe.

On this day of reflection, we look back to that day 79 years ago, when millions across Europe celebrated in relief and elation. We invite you to join us in remembering the millions of servicemen and women, Allied Forces and those across the Commonwealth, who made great sacrifices throughout the Second World War, and the civilians who tirelessly engaged in war work and looked after the Home Front for six long years.

We will never forget their sacrifice, commitment and courage.

A massive thank you to Walkers Butchers in Royal Hillsborough for donating an amazing Christmas Hamper to us, to raffle in aid of the RBL Women’s Section benevolent fund. Thanks to the generosity of customers and branch members £160 was raised for Women’s Section beneficiaries. Mr Trevor Todd had the winning ticket and he picked his hamper up from Stephen Walker this evening . Well done Trevor and thanks again to everyone who helped make our raffle such a success!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from everyone in Hillsborough Royal British Legion Women’s Section. ❤️🎅🎄

Happy Birthday to our friends in Hillsborough Fort Guard. 🥳

Sound a Fanfare. On this day, 21st December 1660, King Charles II, granted a Royal Charter for the formation of Hillsborough Fort Guard, Happy 363rd Birthday.

For someone who has lost a friend, relative or oppo, the festive period can be a time of sadness and isolation.

This , we want to take a moment to remind you of the National Memorial Arboretum .

It's a special place designed to help celebrate the lives of loved ones and remember those who've served and sacrificed, and it’s open all year round.

There are over 400 memorials to explore, including the RBL Remembrance Glade and the Trees of Life Glade - both calm spots filled with symbols and plants to encourage reflection.

Or, if you prefer, you can just take a leisurely walk through the beautiful 150 acres of woodlands and gardens.

However you choose to remember your loved ones, we're here for you, and you do not need to grieve alone ❤️

We held our December meeting tonight which we followed up immediately afterwards with our Christmas party… food, friendship, party games and so many laughs! ❤️Merry Christmas from Hillsborough RBL Women’s Section. Get in touch if you want to join our happy wee group in 2024 ! 🌲🎅🌲🎅🌲🎅

If anyone is heading to or near Antrim on Saturday!

A wee shout out for our Women's section coffee morning this Saturday.