A VERY special service and parade was held on Sunday in Kemble, to make the 75th anniversary of the Kemble and District Royal British Legion Women’s section.

The first minutes were recorded for the group on March 25, 1944, and standard bearers from across Gloucestershire came together to pay tribute to the branch.

The national chairman Pat Chrimes and the national standard bearer Rachel Perkins of the Women’s Section also came along to support the local branch.

Pat Ayres, MBE chairman/standard bearer of the branch was thrilled with the occasion, which was followed by an anniversary tea.

She said: “Everybody had worked together to make it an occasion to remember acknowledging the ladies from the past who laid the foundations for a branch in Kemble."

She added: “The milestone of 75 years is a tribute to their ‘service not self’ work.”

A presentation was also made to Cirencester Band who has served the Royal British Legion in Kemble for over 30 years, playing for its annual Remembrance services by Col Jeremy Clarke.

The march-past salute was taken by the National Chairman Pat Chrimes, Col Jeremy Clarke and The Chair of the Parish Council Roger Petitt.

Liz Aardal made the celebratory cake for the event.