This month the one hundred and third Annual General meeting of the Newcastle Emlyn Branch of the Royal British Legion will be held.

As it has been for all of those years, the meeting will take place at the Cawdor Hall, attended firstly by members originally in the Federation of Welsh Servicemen, that came into being  in the early part of the First World War, who became Branch members of the Royal British Legion in the same year that the Legion was born. 

A branch spokesperson said: "Those members, if they were alive today would, we feel, be disappointed that, although the Poppy Appeal continues to be very well supported, the work of the Branch is not. 

"Two of our officers are well over eighty, one over ninety, and our overall membership is beyond retirement years. Whilst we can still take hundred-year-old members to an RAF Station upon their birthday, and attend funerals, both here and at crematoria, we have come to the stage where the Branch standard is too heavy for executive officers to carry. Our Standard Bearer also needs an assistant to act whilst he is working."

The role of the Legion is provide local support by service and comfort to those injured by war.  "That need continues today," said the spokesperson. "And we anticipate as great a need in the future."

The branch is looking for younger people to come forward at the AGM to join the branch, so that its support and comforting function can continue at a level needed by ex-Service personnel wounded during their service to their country.

The spokesperson added: "The Branch has always had tremendous support from the local authorities which, like the Legion, are signed up to the Armed Forces Covenant, and our communication with those Authorities and the Legion’s Headquarters have proved worthwhile over the years.  Younger people may inspire us to organise events suitable for the Legion and the community."

Legion Membership costs £18 per annum, which gives members authority and benefit and none of that goes to the Branch, as there is sufficient in the managed funds to run existing and new events. 

Injured ex-service men and women, young and old, will benefit if you serve their needs by Branch Membership.

The AGM is held at the Cawdor Hall at 7.30pm on October 17.  But if that is not possible, then a phone call to 01559 370035 or 01559 371710 to show your interest will be appreciated.