IN this important year, with the Armistice centenary on November 11 coinciding with Remembrance Sunday, the Royal British Legion is as busy as ever supporting those in need.

Paul Oliver, chairman of the RBL Launceston branch, said ‘it was from these ashes of the ending of the Great War that the Legion rose to support returning veterans’, and hopes by sharing this piece of history with the next generation, it will encourage new members to join the branch.

He said of the importance of Remembrance in this centenary year: “I like to think I am always looking forward but I am concerned that we will forget just how terrible the First World War was. After marking the centenary this year it would be all too easy to consign the Great War to history. However, the Remembrance period commemorates those killed in all wars since 1918 and the Royal British Legion is as busy as ever supporting those in need.

“The serving and veterans’ community in the UK numbers some six-million people, many of whom are ageing and whose requirements are changing. A large percentage of funds raised each year goes towards supporting those ageing servicemen and women or their dependants although it will not surprise your readers to learn that we are also committed to supporting those veterans and their families affected by more recent campaigns such as those in Iraq and Afghanistan. Right now, it feels good to be involved with the Invictus Games currently taking place in Australia.”

Mr Oliver explained that last year, the Poppy Appeal raised £47-million in the UK. This money is spent directly on those in need. The Royal British Legion receives more than £200-million annually and is grateful to donors such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and others for their donations.

Locally, the town raised £23,000 last year, Mr Oliver adding: “I am moved by the support we receive here. I used to lead the Remembrance parade in Croydon but I have no doubt we enjoy a far better public turn out here in Launceston. It is hard to put into words just how humbling that is and I’d like to thank your readers, and the town council who allow us to parade.”

Regarding Johnny Mercer MP’s comments about the Peace Pledge Union’s white poppies that are being distributed — the MP recently took to Twitter to describe them as ‘attention seeking rubbish’, Mr Oliver added: “I understand his point but I think I am just happy that people are marking the Remembrance period. Any monies they give to the Peace Pledge Union are spent on ‘education’ and not on supporting the veteran community. Our poppies know no boundaries regarding race, religion, gender or nationality and I hope all your readers will buy one and wear it with a clear conscience. I know I shall.”

To find out more about the Royal British Legion, visit the local Launceston branch at Edymead in Westgate Street. They meet for coffee and comradeship every Wednesday morning from 10am, and they hold more formal meetings to discuss fundraising and Remembrance matters at 7.30pm on the first Thursday of every month.

New members need not have served or have any service connections. Anyone can join.