Ribbon

RIBBON BRANCH

HISTORY

The Ribbon branch was formed back in 1942 by members who predominantly collected medal ribbons and as the hobby grew, so the gradual formation of the Orders and Medals Research Society took place.  To this day, the Branch remains true to their specialist area of collecting and researching world-wide medal ribbons and their emblems.

MEETING

Normally, the Branch meets in the upstairs room, twice a year in April and October at the Royal British Legion Club (Paddington Branch) at St, Stephens Gardens, London W2 5QX (0207 221 4664) between 1pm and 5pm.  The bar down stairs opens at 12 o’clock, please watch this page for any changes to meeting dates and times.

APRIL 16th 2023. disc. Rosettes on ribbons. Pownal plate comp. Discussion Franco Prussian war,1870-71    (The annual competition for the ‘Henry Pownall Plate,’ where members display various aspects of their collection. The winner of this competition has their name inscribed onto the trophy.)

OCTOBER 8th  2023.  AGM.  Auction.  Reflections on  Coronation of our new King. 

HOW TO GET THERE

By underground (Metropolitan Line) to Royal Oak.  Exit the station and turn left, over the bridge and take the first road to your right (Westbourne Villas).  Proceed down this road until it joins Westbourne Park Road.  Follow it around to the left, then and the Royal British Legion Club is (100 yrads) on the corner of the first street to your right (St. Stephen’s Gardens.)

By Car or Bike. The Royal British Legion Club is located south of the A40 in the Paddington area.  The club is situated on the corner of Westbourne Park Road and St. Stephen’s Gardens.  Due to the ever changing traffic systems in London, it is best to set your SATNAV to W2 5QX. There is ample ‘on street parking’ around the club.

CLUB ACTIVITIES

The function of the Ribbon Branch is to collect, study and research the background of the ribbons, their class, and emblems that are awarded. It does not have a ribbon bank as such, but Branch members are always willing to assist with any questions relating to world-wide medal ribbons.  The Branch Secretary does have a small stock of foreign and commonwealth ribbons which can be purchased from him, if available.

The newsletter of the Ribbon Branch; ‘The Ribbon Collector’ is published four times a year and keeps the membership up to date with what is going on in the Medal ribbon world, including historical information and medals and ribbons recently awarded around the world. With each copy, subject to availability, is a small packet of medal ribbons.  Members are encouraged to contribute factual articles or information to the Editor of the Ribbon Collector.

LECTURES AND THE HENRY POWNALL PLATE COMPETITION

This competition, normally held during the October meeting is open to members of the Ribbon Branch.  Their display must be no larger than four A4 pages and can display any aspect of their collection; medals, famous chests, research or pictures; but be warned, the standard is high. During the April meetings, members are invited to bring along something of their collection and give a short lecture.

HOW TO JOIN THE OMRS RIBBON BRANCH

Once you have been formally accepted by the OMRS and been awarded a Membership Number, you may apply to the Ribbon Branch Secretary (see details below) to become a member.  He will furnish you with the appropriate membership and subscription forms.   The annual subscriptions for branch membership are to be paid to the Ribbon Branch Treasurer (see details below) by either Direct Debit or cheque (made payable to OMRS Ribbon Branch):  Current fees are:

            United Kingdom                    £12.00

            Countries within the EU       £14.00

            Rest of the world                  £18.00

As part of the OMRS, all members are subject to the Bye Laws of the OMRS society.

RIBBON BRANCH COMMITTEE

            President:     Mr. M.J. (Mike) Shepherd.  6 Holly Close, Wareham,

            Dorset, BH20 7QE.   E-mail: mshepherd059@btinternet.com  Telephone

            Number: 01929 553059

            Branch Secretary:  Mr. G (Graham) Cartwright.  Rear ground floor flat,

            16 Church Hill Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH1 4ES.  E-mail

            graham_carter@live.co.uk   Telephone number: 01202 304043

            Branch Treasurer:  Mr. D (David) Rucker.  E-mail:  d.rucker@byinternet.com

            Branch Editor:  Mr. W.R. (Bob) French RVM.  7 Durham Way, Rayleigh,

            Essex SS6 9RY.  E-mail: french71682@yahoo.co.uk

            Committee Member:  Mr. A (Tony) Burrell.