Setting standard with first county conference (From Wiltshire Times)

Setting standard with first county conference

3:53pm Monday 21st January 2013 in Wiltshire

TROWBRIDGE Civic Centre hosted the town’s first Royal British Legion county conference at the weekend.

The area’s 52 branches were represented by about 150 delegates at the venue.

The event was opened by Trowbridge mayor John Knight and Legion members used the conference as an opportunity to discuss their plans for 2013.

Brian Mitchell, the organisation’s county ceremonial officer, said: “It was a fantastic day and a very special honour for us to host the event in Trowbridge.

“I think the town council did a great job to support us and the Civic Centre did us proud.

“At the event, we get our house in order for the forthcoming year, talk about ways to get further involved with the community and catch up with friends from other branches.”

Altogether 24 standard- bearers arrived at the conference, which Mr Mitchell said was the most ever assembled for the event.

The meeting was also an opportunity for branches to submit motions for consideration at the Royal British Legion’s national conference, in Llandudno this May.

Mr Mitchell, who was one of the standard-bearers at Saturday’s gathering, said: “There was only one motion put forward, which came from the Devizes branch.

“They have asked that branches are given information about those coming out of the forces, so we could make contact with them.”

During the county conference, Legion members heard from a range of speakers including their county president, General Sir Jack Deverell.

There was also an awards ceremony, with prizes and certificates given out.

Mr Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank Wiltshire Farm Foods for sponsoring us on Saturday. My aim is to keep the conference at Trowbridge for years to come now.”