The Ware Branch of Royal British Legion celebrates it’s Centenary
The Ware Branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated it’s Centenary with an event to unveil a “Tommy” silhouette in the grounds of the Ware Priory on Sunday 25th July. The Silhouette was unveiled by the Deputy Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Ms Kate Belinis in the presence of RBL members and local dignitaries followed by a reception in The Priory Hall. The Deputy Lieutenant was hosted by the Chair of the Ware RBL, Mick Standley and the Chair of the Ware Women’s section of the RBL, Beryl Rist. The RBL standards were presented by Andrew MacKenzie for the Ware Branch and Heather Spence (National Chair of the RBL Women’s section) for the Ware Women’s section. The Last Post and Reveille were performed by Richard Salthouse.
The Ware Branch of the Royal British Legion is one of the oldest in the country having been formed on 1st July 1921, the national RBL was founded in May 1921. Through the last century the Ware RBL has been involved in providing assistance and welfare to ex-Service men and women and their families through Specialist Case workers, such as Peter Jarvis, within the Branch and involved in the local community through the Poppy Appeal for which they regularly raise in excess of £16,000 a year. The Silhouette has been erected to celebrate the hard work and commitment of all the Ware members of the RBL past and present.
The commemorative Silhouette was made by the Mill Green Forge in Essendon and is surrounded by “Peace” Roses donated by The Friends of Ware Priory. The unveiling ceremony was assisted by RNVR Lieutenant Commander Keith Batchelor and members of the Army Cadet Force.
It was a very special occasion for The Ware Branch of the Royal British Legion and an excellent way to mark their first 100 years.