British Legion branch revived

ARMED Forces veterans and supporters will be flying the Barwell Royal British Legion standard with pride after a reinvigoration of the branch.

The Barwell and Earl Shilton arms of the RBL joined forces with its Hinckley and District counterpart in 2002 following a decline in officials.

At that time the group’s standard should have been ‘laid up’ as the branch had effectively ceased to exist in its individual form.

However, the flag continued to be used during parades and ceremonies until last year when it came to the attention of Legion bigwigs who pointed out the error.

Lee Buckler, from Hinckley and District RBL, said: “It was identified last year that the standard could no longer be used and as such was put away until a decision could be reached as what to do with it.

As a result this left last year’s Barwell Remembrance Parade without a Royal British Legion standard, which was a great loss.

“However, over the last 12 months there has been persistent campaigning for the Barwell standard to be made available.

“As a result a decision was made by the county chairman and the national membership council representative of the Royal British Legion that in order to continue to use the standards the former sub-branches would have to be reactivated as new sub-branches or be laid up.

“Once a standard is ‘laid up’ it cannot be used again.”

The decision has prompted members of the Hinckley and District branch who live in Barwell and Earl Shilton to vote on being transferred to their nearest group, reviving its fortunes and safeguarding the display of the standard. A branch meeting is planned for September 27 at 7pm at the Jubilee Hall, Byron Close, Barwell, in expectation of the reactivation.

Lee said: “The 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion is approaching and it would be great to see the Barwell and Earl Shilton Standard parading at the many events planned including the village remembrance parade this November.

“With the increasing support for the Armed Forces over recent years and the various centenary commemorations held by the Royal British Legion we have noticed an increase in support and attendance at parades in both villages.”

Anyone interested in getting involved with the Legion is welcomed as new members are always sought.

You don’t have to have been a serving member of the Armed Forces to join up. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/membership/ become-a-member/ if you wish to join.