Ninety years of pride as RBL celebrates milestone

THE Royal British Legion celebrated its 90th anniversary with a fish and chips supper at Retford Town Hall.

Around 100 people, young and old, attended the lunch which also saw pupils from Carr Hill Primary School sing wartime classics and festive carols.

Branch chairman Brian Madden said the school choir brought a smile to everyone’s faces.

“It was well rehearsed and well presented, they really put their hearts into it and it was very enjoyable,” he said.

The legion is going into schools to encourage youngsters to join.

Mr Madden added: “We do various lectures in schools to try to get people to join.”

“You don’t have to be in the forces to be a member of the legion.”

Bassetlaw Council organised the event in partnership with the legion and various representatives, including leader of the council Graham Oxby, chairman David Challinor and Retford mayor Adele Mumby, attended the dinner.

Lord Lieutenant for Notts Sir Andrew Buchanan and Lady Buchanan also visited the celebrations.

Councillor Oxby said it was important to recognise the work the legion does.

“The choir was very moving,” he said. “Members of the legion applauded every single one of them on to the stage and every one of them off it.”

“It was a lovely day and I came away from it feeling very proud.”

“It’s vital that children of any early age grow up and understand what their parents and grandparents went through.”

Anyone interested in joining the legion can contact Mr Madden on (01909) 731160.

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