Legion searches for more ex-servicemen (From Gazette Series)

Legion searches for more ex-servicemen

A BRANCH of the Royal British Legion is looking to recruit new and much-needed members.

The Dursley branch of the ex-servicemen's association has seen membership dramatically decline since its social club shut in 1999.

Currently the branch has around 50 members but chairman Andrew Cooper believes there are many more ex-servicemen in the area who are not involved.

He said: "It has declined to such an extent that people believed there wasn't a legion in Dursley. From the time the club shut until a year ago we were just carrying out the bare essential operations.

"I think there are a lot more ex-servicemen in the area and we want to recruit the younger people."

At last year's annual meeting, the branch secured a permanent secretary and treasurer, enabling members to become more active.

"This means we are viable as a branch," said Mr Cooper. "In the past year we have attended a large number of events across the county. We are now starting to recruit a small number of people, which is making up for the ones we have lost."

The branch hopes to boost its profile by having the county's recruitment caravan in Dursley in the coming months, as well as holding advice clinics for pensioners.

Mr Cooper said: "It is so we can make our presence felt. We are interested in running the pensioners' clinic because there are a large number of ex-service people in the area who may be entitled to a pension of some sort from the Ministry of Defence and they don't realise."

Anyone interested in joining the branch is invited to attend a legion meeting.

"Now is an ideal time to join because the memberships are up for renewal," added Mr Cooper.

"There is an opportunity for people who just want to support the legion to join too because there has been a change in the membership system and there is now only one type of membership instead of two."

As well as appealing for more members, the branch is also preparing to start the annual Poppy appeal.

"We place collection boxes throughout the Dursley area and for a week before Remembrance Day we have street collectors. The amount we raise varies but it is between £2,500 and £3,500. Anyone who would like to help is invited to contact us."

For more information about becoming a member or volunteering for the Poppy appeal call 01453 545337.

The branch meets on the first Sunday of the month at their base in May Lane (12noon.) The branch's annual general meeting will take place on Sunday, November 27.