We need you! Royal British Legion appeals for new members

Spilsby and District Branch of the Royal British Legion is launching a recruitment campaign – and residents do not have to be a former member of the armed services to join.

Last year the amount of money raised by the branch for the Poppy Appeal was the highest ever recorded at £11,842.82.

Denis Chandler, branch chairman, said: “It has always been assumed that membership of the Legion was dependent on being a former member of the armed services, but this is no longer the case. Anyone can join the RBL.

“There is a youth section and we in Spilsby would be delighted to have some younger people join us.

“We have great support from local schools. The King Edward VI Academy puts on a wonderful ‘Lest We Forget’ show every year with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.

“Likewise, the Spilsby Primary School has been hugely interested in our work with Spilsby RBL members visiting the school on various occasions.

“This support peaks at around the time of the Poppy Appeal in November.

“However, the work goes on year-round with volunteers playing their part in raising both money and awareness.”

Before 2016 there were only two days since the Second World War when British service people were not engaged in conflict.

From Korea through Malaya and Borneo to the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, British troops have been killed and injured, many needing the Legion’s support.

Mr Chandler said: “Because of the high profile of the Poppy Appeal it is assumed that our priority is remembrance of the two Great Wars when in truth our remit goes far beyond that in the care of the sick, injured and destitute of the armed services.

“Because of this on-going commitment we need as many people as possible to join our local branch to support our work. Everyone is welcome to join.”

If you would like to get involved, contact the secretary Ann Lenton by email at [email protected] or call 01790 753074.