FORMER service veterans in Trowbridge are looking for new members to join the town’s branch of The Royal British Legion.

Branch Honorary Secretary and Poppy Appeal organiser Rick Owen said they are seeking new members to boost the numbers to more than 100.

“We have 90 members with an age range of 22-90s, but we’d like to sign up 10-20 new members, who don’t have to be serving with the Armed Forces or ex-servicemen and women.

“Most people are familiar with the high profile of the RBL each November; the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall followed by the parade, with the sombre wreath-laying at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

“Both are wonderful, moving, national events we are all proud of. What many are not so aware of is the ongoing work and fundraising, at a local level, by the men and women who support the RBL.

“Over 40 per cent of our members, nationally, have no ex-military affiliation whatsoever, they simply endorse and support the four pillars that make up our mission: welfare, representation, remembrance and comradeship."

This year, following the pandemic, it is planning a Remembrance Day Parade and Service after two years of a slightly abridged and reduced event.

Rick added: “Would you like to be a part of this? Show off your medals and patriotism at the Remembrance Day Parade and Service?

“Our Poppy Appeal will also be as big as it ever was, with static collection points across town, lots of merchandise and collectibles to interest young and old alike.

“Or perhaps you have an organisational skill or welfare talent you could use in our day-to-day business, supporting the four pillars above?

“The single, most important job someone might be able to do is fill the role of our Deputy Standard Bearer; it may be this year we will need a second officer to help with this important place on our Remembrance Day Parade and Service, so if you do have that demeanour, perhaps a background with a cadet or other similar organisation, then we would be pleased to hear from you.”

The RBL’s Trowbridge Branch meets at the Wesley Road Club, off Newtown, at 7.30pm on the second Thursday of each month and you’re welcome to attend.

If you would like to join, visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/membership or go to the Trowbridge RBL Facebook page.

To contact Rick Owen call 01225 766210 or email rickowen256@gmail.com