Town joins in RBL celebration
Leek’s branch of legion is also marking its 100th year in 2021
LEEK paid tribute at the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion on Saturday.
Town Crier Bill Lomas, was joined by members of the town’s branch of the RBL in Market Place, along with town mayor Stephen Wales.
Welcoming people in his ‘cry,’ Mr Lomas said: “The British Legion was formed in 1921 from four organisations that sprung up after the first world war when it gave help to separate areas of need, for the returning troops back from the end of the fighting of the great war in 1918. The Leek branch is the second oldest in the UK.
“For 50 years until 1951, the name stayed the same, then royal patronage gave it the longer title of the Royal British Legion.
“There are now about 2,500 branches of the RBL.
“The first poppy appeal took place in 1921 and raised a vast sum of £106,000. The poppies sold out immediately.
“The RBL is here to help serving and ex serving forces all year round every day of every week. The supports starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over.
“I don’t have to tell you about the wonderful dedicated work that the RBL perform and have done for a hundred years.
“Look it up on your computers. “Remember this day well when we all stood here to remember the great achievement by the RBL.
“Look at the men here by me standing as proof of the RBL. We stand proud in celebration of the Royal British Legion. Wear your poppy with pride.”
Mr Wales added: “The 100th anniversary of the British Legion is especially poignant as Leek’s branch was also formed that very same year in 1921.
“Leek’s RBL is therefore the second oldest in the UK and certainly deserves the close involvement of the good people of Leek.”