Frome Legion branch faces closure

FROME’S branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) faces closure unless new volunteers are found. 

The Royal British Legion raises money to help support serving and ex-service personnel and their dependents in times of need. The Frome branch has raised over £30,000 each year during their ‘Poppy Appeal’ for the past three years. 

The branch also organise and run the well-supported service and act of Remembrance each November, commemorating those who died or have been injured in wars and conflicts since the First World War. This year is particulary poignant as Remembrance falls on the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War.

The Frome branch has stressed that the Remembrance service and parade will go ahead as normal, however, the group warns that going forward, volunteers are needed to  keep the branch going. Several longstanding members are wishing to stand down and the branch needs new volunteers to  continue its work in the community. 

  Jane Norris, Frome branch RBL chairman said, “The main aim of the RBL is to raise money to be able to support and help serving and ex services personnel and their dependents in times of need. The manner they achieve this is far too great for me to even start to explain or give examples, but please believe me every penny raised is used wisely and not squandered.

“The help is not just for the ‘old soldiers’ from the world war but is for everyone, right up to those who served yesterday and who serve today.  Family members may also be beneficiaries, and support is decided on an individual basis.

“In the world we now live in it is getting harder to find people to come forward to help. The very real danger is Frome branch of the RBL is now very likely to close unless something is done about it.

“Perhaps you have recently been discharged from the services and you would like to help others, bearing in mind anyone of us could need help someday?  However, no pre-military service is needed, just a desire to do something good, and feel good in so doing.

“The current committee have served for a number of years and several of us now wish to stand down having done “our bit”. The branch therefore urgently needs fresh blood with new ideas to join the committee to ensure that the Legion continues to work locally, for the benefit  of the service community here in Frome.”

If you are interested in helping and ensuring that the RBL has a future in the town contact Jane on 07776 208531 for further information.

• The Frome branch of the Royal British Legion is holding its Annual General Meeting at The Chester House Social Club on Thursday 22nd November at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend to find out more about the work of the charity.