Remembrance Sunday and The Royal British Legion
 

Last Sunday (9th November) our church was full for the annual Remembrance Sunday service, with a 75% turnout from the local Legion branch – (well done lads!!), and a good cross section of Parish residents and visitors, young and old, all keen to remember the fallen of past and present conflicts.

The service was conducted by our vicar, Rev. Simon Cawdell, with the sermon given by Colin Bailey, and various Legion members taking a formal part in the service – Bill Williams, Tim Godfrey, Reg White, and Alan Glass.

The salute was taken in the Bull Ring by Simon Kenyon-Slaney OBE, as the Legion marched past.

We should also mention the Licensees of the Plough, who once again kindly provided coffee and biscuits prior to the march down to church.

With the nations minds concentrated on remembrance, now seems a good time to remind people that the local branch of the Legion is always looking for new members. Our numbers have been dwindling over recent years, and an influx of new blood and fresh legs would be most welcome.

To this end, we would point out that membership does not require current or previous service in the armed services. Membership is open to everyone, the only requirement being support of the aims of the Legion.

Membership

The Legion now has a Single Membership, giving all members equal rights to participate in Branch, County and National decision-making processes of the organisation. Applicants under the age of eighteen will be entered as Youth Members.

The move to a Single Membership does not change the status of the beneficiary, the person who is the object of our fundraising and benevolence activities. The only people who can benefit from our funds remain the members of the Service and ex-Service community who are in need.

There is also a Women's Section

The Royal British Legion Women's Section has been providing care and support to the ex-Service community for over 85 years. The Women's Section is made up of a countrywide network of 1,200 branches with a membership of 62,000 women.

Who can join

Membership is open to all women over 16 years of age including:
•women in HM Forces

•ex-Servicewomen

•the women dependants of past and present Servicemen and women

•women who do not have a Service connection but support the aims of our organisation
 

The benefits of joining include:

•Belonging to a friendly network of men and women in your local community

•Enjoying a range of activities throughout the year including social events, workshops, seminars, fundraising events and visits to places of interest

•Being able to take part in fundraising events, including the November Poppy Appeal

•The opportunity to train and qualify as a Standard Bearer

•The opportunity to learn and use administrative and organising skills that give many members the chance to run branch and County committees, County conferences or to serve on committees at national level

•And, most important of all, the knowledge that through your membership you are helping others in need

Anyone interested in joining our local branch should contact the Membership Secretary – Ian MacKenzie (710271), the Branch Secretary – David Rowney (710300), or the Treasurer – Alan Glass (710385), or any other current member.