Service dedicates Legion standard
MORE than 130 people attended a church and community event to dedicate Church and Oswaldtwistle Branch Royal British Legion’s standard and to welcome nine youth groups as affiliated members.
The event was held at a “Remember Together” service on Saturday, September 14, at the Holy Trinity Church, New Lane, Oswaldtwistle.
It was attended by Hyndburn Mayor Coun June Harrison, Mayoress Coun Joyce Plumber and local Armed Forces Champion Paddy Short.
Supporting the event were military and emergency services personnel, school representatives, cadet forces, councillors and members of the public.
The branch’s standard was dedicated during the service by branch Chaplain Rev Anthony Roberts and carried by standard bearer Trevor Eccles.
This was well supported not only by the standard bearers of Accrington and Clayton-le-Moors Branches RBL but also standards and flags from cadet forces and uniformed youth organisations.
The service focused on the sacrifices made by military and emergency personnel in always putting others first.
During the service nine local youth groups were officially presented with affiliation certificates to mark working in partnership with Church and Oswaldtwistle Branch.
Hilary Austin, branch youth officer, said: “Young people are the future of any organisation and community and it is our responsibility to help them understand the place that charities such as the RBL have to play in supporting others. We also need to share that remembrance is not only for November but should be in our hearts all year long.”