ILMINSTER NEWS: Town’s Royal British Legion branch could close

THERE are real concerns that the Ilminster branch of the Royal British Legion could be forced to close unless new blood is recruited.

Branch chairman John Goodall has told members in a letter that the group’s annual meeting on Tuesday, September 26, 2017, would “most likely to be the last meeting” of the organisation.

“Unless the branch can elect a chairman, vice chairman, treasurer and secretary together with a minimum of three to a maximum of 12 other members to form a committee it will not be able to function,” he said.

Mr Goodall added: “The branch has 55 members, but as the average age of those members is 80-plus, many are now too old to take on the branch duties and responsibilities, so it is unlikely we will be able to meet the criteria for continuing as a branch.

“A branch that is unable to continue as a branch through lack of branch officers may close. The Legion considers closure as a last resort when all other avenues, including amalgamation and formation of a sub-branch, have been explored and exhausted.

“At the annual meeting I will be asking the membership for a decision on closing the branch.”

Mr Goodall has said that the membership of the Royal British Legion is open to everyone and people do not have to have a background in the Armed Forces.

“Like many other branches of the Legion we need younger members to join and keep the branch alive,” he said. “Many people still believe that you have to be ex-Service to be a member. This is not so.

“Membership is open to everyone. If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, come and join us. We welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.”

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