EVESHAM’S Town Hall played host to a social evening recently to bring together local authority representatives and the region’s Royal British Legion to encourage new members and volunteers ahead of this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Chairman of Wychavon District Council, councillor Robert Raphael and town mayor, councillor Alan Booth, along with their escorts, Mrs. Diane Raphael and councillor Chrissy Smith, were among some fifty guests who attended the event organised by Phillip Rowne-Speed, chairman of the Evesham and district branch of the Royal British Legion.
The purpose of the event was to promote the work of the branch and to boost membership, and in particular to encourage new volunteers for Poppy Appeal.
Several speakers gave talks during the evening including Mandy Clements-Hunt, Poppy Appeal manager for the Royal British Legion in Worcestershire, and Fiona George, the branch Poppy Appeal Organiser.
The charity, which organises the Poppy Appeal every October and November, relies on more than 30,000 dedicated volunteers to help deliver the appeal across 3500 Districts.
Andy Green, Padre to the Evesham and district branch of the Legion, and its President also addressed the audience.
He talked of its membership, and the number of active members being quite small, while recognising people have numerous other commitments which limit their active service.
The Royal British Legion in Evesham and district continues to be a healthy and active Branch particularly in respect of support to local ex-service personnel, commemorative anniversaries, fund raising and all roles associated with the organisation. He then spoke of councillor Alan Booth and his service to his country, as a member of the British Army, his 25 year dedication to the Royal
British Legion, while at the same time serving the community in local government. He is affectionately known as Mr. Evesham in the town. Despite health and mobility issues Alan just keeps going, and is a source of inspiration to many.
Andy Green and Phillip Rowne-Speed, on behalf of the Evesham and District Branch of the Legion, then presented Alan with a framed certificate of recognition and appreciation, and a jewelled pin.
Visit https://counties.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/worcestershire for more information.
