100th birthday Celebration was a big success

A CENTURY of service and support for former armed forces personnel in the Three Towns was marked at a very special anniversary celebration last weekend.

As reported in the Herald last week, King Charles sent a letter of congratulations to the Royal British Legion Scotland’s Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch to mark its centenary.

That was the icing on the cake of a memorable day on Saturday, April 13 featuring a parade, service and concert to mark the milestone.

The Legion branch was formed in April 1924, and the 100th birthday celebration was a big success, despite the threat of stormy weather with which the day began.

Legion branch president Paul Coffey said: “The Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band led the colours of many Legion branches, followed by proud members of the Saltcoats, Ardrossan and Stevenston branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland.

“Also marching with us were politicians from different parties and Legion

Scotland’s national president.

“The police closed Hamilton Street briefly as the parade made its way to St Mary’s Church, saluting the Saltcoats Memorial as it went past. Legion Scotland’s national president took the salute.”

At St Mary’s, the interdenominational service of remembrance and rededication was led by Rev Don Currie and Canon Martin Poland.

Paul added: “Before the service started we were joined by some very special visitors from Erskine Hospital who were determined to share our celebrations.

“During the service Rev Don Currie read out the message received by the branch earlier in the week from the King.

“Putting politics to one side, all the dignitaries had the same message of how important the Legion was when it started in the Three Towns 100 years ago and the crucial role it continues to play today.

“After the though- provoking service we then moved to the Chapel Hall for an excellent lunch prepared by the women volunteers of the chapel, the soup and sandwich ingredients supplied by Sainsbury’s and supplemented by fresh pies, sausage rolls and cakes from The Kandy Bar, so everyone was well fed and watered.”

The evening entertainment was held in Ardrossan Civic Centre - the same building where the Legion branch formed in 1924.

Guests were first met by the stirring music of the Isle of Cumbrae Pipe Band, then serenaded by the hauntingly beautiful voices of the West of Scotland Military Wives Choir.

After a buffet and raffles, everyone settled down to singing and dancing the night away. The Legion even recruited new members to the branch.

Paul added: “We have so many people to thank for making the day a success and for supporting the Legion now and over the past 100 years.”

They include: Ardeer Community Association, Argyle Community Centre, Ardrossan Print, Pretty Woman, Apollo Cinema, Dressing Room, Costa, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Saltcoats Neptune Masonic 442 Lodge and Social Club, Studio Cobbler, Cafe Del Greco, Cafe Palazzo, Dee Dee’s Cutz, Argyle Carpets and Flooring. Windmill Leisure, Cavani’s, West End

Café, Coulters Candy, The Kandy Bar, Charlies Bar, Clyde Kilts, Apprentice Boys of Derry, NAC Heritage services, Legion Scotland. Private donations, Animal Zone, Saltcoats, Bar One, Lidl’s, Arti – Farti.

John Murphy, Frank Reid, John Hepburn, David Miller, Glamour Room, Motherland Spice, Saltcoats Record Centre, Farmfoods, Café Melbourne, Nonsuch Bar and

Lounge, Avanti, Saltcoats, Basebowl, Hair Studio, Ardrossan, Windy Ha!, Saltcot/ Weatherspoons, Barclays Butchers, Crown Bar, Katie Phillips, and the Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald.

Congratulations to the Legion branch on their anniversary from all at the Herald.