Dereham RBL members celebrates members turning 100 in 2023

Members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) in Dereham gathered at the Toftwood Social Club on July 5 to celebrate Eric Swann and Olive Rawlings, who are both a century old this year, with the former’s birthday later this month, and Mrs Rawlings' in September.

Mrs Rawlings served with a branch of the Land Army working for Sutton Seeds in Berkshire. She said it was a job she loved, and only gave it up when she got married to David in 1955 and they moved to London.

She joined the RBL as an associate member with David who had served with the Royal Engineers in the Far East during the Second World War.

(From LtR) Eric Swann, General Page and Olive Rawlings at the Toftwood Social Club (Image: Nick Smith)

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In 1965 the family moved to Norfolk, and shortly after the couple joined the Dereham Branch of the RBL, where Mrs Rawlings has remained a member ever since.

Mrs Rawlings joined the civil service, finally retiring as benefits manager at the Department of Employment in 1983. 

For many years she was a committee member of Crossroads, which helps carers look after ill and disabled family members in their own homes. She now lives with her daughter Caroline, who cares for her.

(From LtR) Eric Swann, General Page, Olive Rawlings and Hugh King, at the Toftwood Social Club (Image: Nick Smith)

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Mr Swann served in civil defence during the Blitz at the start of the Second World War and was later assigned to work in the Royal Corps of Signals at Bletchley Park. He was based in the medical centre there, and after the war he worked as an engineer.

Dereham's mayor Hugh King was presented with a gold badge for all his work in promoting the area, and for his work in helping fellow RBL members, by General Page.

(From LtR) Dennis O'Callaghan, Hugh King and General Page at the Toftwood Social Club (Image: Nick Smith)