MEMBERS of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion’s Launceston branch have vowed to continue.

It follows what has been described as ‘misinformation’, including in national press, which had reported that the RBL’s Women’s Section would disband.

The Women’s Section will not be disbanded, but will be integrated into the main body of the organisation ‘to comply with charity regulation and governance arrangements’. A working group has been formed to develop a plan for this integration.

A national spokesperson for the Royal British Legion said: “The team will work together to identify potential issues brought about by the change, and the aim will be to complete the integration of the Women’s Section by October 1, 2017.”

National chairman of the Women’s Section, Marilyn Humphry, said: “The Royal British Legion and The Royal British Legion Women’s Section are currently working together on a plan that’s amenable to both parties. The Women’s Section understands the need to integrate and the Legion understands the need to take into account the wishes of the Women’s Section and values the contribution its members make to our work with the Armed Forces community.”

Referring to recent ‘misinformation’ on the matter, Ms Humphry added: “Our position on this matter has been communicated to all Women’s Section members, therefore I am unsure where misinformation is originating. No changes have been agreed as the plan is still under discussion.

“Regrettably this misinformation is neither helpful nor in the interests of the branches within our organisation who wish to continue with their fundraising activities in support of Women’s Section schemes. We are in a position where the trustees are listening to our concerns and I would not wish to see this jeopardised in any way.”

The secretary of Launceston RBL Women’s Section, Jennie Bailey, said: “We in the Launceston branch, have decided we will be continuing.

“We feel we are here to help others and do the best we can for them. The motto of the Women’s Section is ‘service not self’.”