LEGION GRANTED BOROUGH FREEDOM
Armed forces charity marks its centenary with ‘honour’ from council
A CHARITY that has supported Armed Forces members and their families for a century has been awarded the Freedom of the Borough.
The Royal British Legion’s Stafford branch was formed in 1921 - just a few months after the national charity came into being to support those affected by the First World War.
One hundred years later, their work has been commemorated with an honour bestowed on those who give eminent services to the borough.
Last week, the Freedom Scroll was presented to the branch at the start of Stafford Borough Council’s full meeting. Several branch members were welcomed to the main chamber at County Buildings for the occasion.
Council leader Patrick Farrington said: “How truly wonderful it is to be giving the Freedom of Stafford Borough. Amongst other things it means you can drive sheep and cattle through the streets of Stafford, so you better get rounding them up!
“The Royal British Legion has a long and valued history here in Stafford. The founder members probably couldn’t have imagined that 100 years later here we are celebrating all the work the Legion has given to communities.
“Over the past year the RBL has undertaken around 300,000 welfare visits to former colleagues, veterans and their families.”
Branch chairman George Wright signed the Freedom Scroll and Reverend John Davies, Stafford Branch chaplain, said: “The support the Legion gives is increasingly more complex. It is a great honour you have bestowed on us and we will accept that insignia with great pride.”