RBLI awarded Freedom of the Borough of Tonbridge and Malling

This week at a meeting of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, RBLI was awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough, the highest accolade that a Council can bestow.

We’re very proud of this recognition for our support for generations of veterans over the last 106 years. This year we have had a particularly close connection with the Council, as RBLI Veteran Ambassador, Councillor Steve Hammond has served as Mayor of the Borough. Many of his fellow councillors spoke at the ceremony about their personal connection with our charity and its impact in their community as well as UK-wide.

This award was proposed by one of the Armed Forces Champions at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, Councillor Dave Davis, who said:

“Since 1919, RBLI has provided a service to countless numbers of Armed Forces veterans. RBLI is recognised across the UK and especially in Kent. We’re proud to have them in the Borough. A huge thank you to them for all that they have done and continue to do for the veterans they serve, and many congratulations to them.”

Councillor Matt Boughton added

“We know the work that RBLI has done for many decades has helped veterans of many generations and embedded them into this community. We know many veterans including the Mayor Steve Hammond have benefited greatly from their service and their care. We can’t underestimate the impact that RBLI has on our ability as a local council to help and assist those in need, particularly with housing. We’re also pleased to support their initiatives such as establishing Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Co, the creation of their Centenary Village, and the Great Tommy Sleep Out. RBLI has great ambition for the future to continue to provide a unique offer not just locally but across the country. It is an honour to have RBLI located in the Borough and this award of Freedom of the Borough is richly deserved.”

Chief Executive of the charity Lisa Farmer OBE responded

“This is an amazing honour for our organisation. We are very proud to be in Tonbridge and Malling and you have been a wonderful friend to us, supporting our ambitions and our vision. There is no doubt that your unwavering support spurs us on. I want to thank you all for that.

We have huge plans to increase our housing, to create homes for those who need them. We want to create more jobs, and we have embarked on a £45million investment programme for our facilities, all through fundraising.

Our commitment is that we won’t stop. We will help those who are in need the most, whatever their issues or their disabilities.”