IN reply to your letter in the Wiltshire Times about the Royal British Legion Riders (RBLR) refusing to pay a £30 stallholders’ fee at the Trowbridge Armed Forces Day event.
The decision not to pay was made at a branch meeting as it was considered that we as a charity should not pay a stall holders’ fee for the following reasons;
1. We are a charity which fully supports the Royal British Legion and the Poppy appeal all year round at various events.
2. We do not make any profit from attending events as all monies donated go directly to the Poppy Appeal.
3. No other organisation has requested us to pay any fees for attending events as they all recognise our charitable status.
4. We do not have any funding to pay any fees. Consequently, the members who attend would be paying from their own funds.
We have considered paying the fee ourselves, and indeed have had many offers from members of the public which we have declined as we believe that upholding our principles is paramount.
With regards to swanking round on our flash motorbikes, we have all had to work hard whilst bringing up families and subsequently to be in a position to enjoy our hobby whilst supporting the Royal British Legion. Last year the branch raised over £30,000 by attending events, presentations and holding collections for the Poppy Appeal.
Your assumption that we had to serve as a cavalryman to be in the RBLR is totally incorrect. The membership is made up of individuals who have served in all branches of the armed services and many civilians who have not served, but believe in the ethos of the Royal British Legion and the support that is given to ex service personnel and their families.
Finally, whilst we regret not attending Armed Forces Day in Trowbridge, we will be attending events in Salisbury, Weymouth and other locations across the west.
Malcolm McPhail
Royal British Legion Riders Branch (Wiltshire)