NEW STANDARD FOR REVITALISED LEGION
HAVING spent recent years setting new standards, Dromore's revitalised Royal British Legion branch is now getting a new standard.
June's planned laying up of the old standard in favour of the new will reflect the fresh impetus at a branch still small in numbers but increasingly more active.
Recently returned as Chairman, Colin Ward, who has spearheaded the Dromore Legion's so far successful efforts to reconnect with the public, described the upcoming dedication of the new standard as a significant event for the local branch.
Mr. Ward was one of three branch representatives, the others being president, Sammy Newell and member, Brian Fagan, to recently attend this year's Royal British Legion regional conference, and it was at the same event last year that the three noticed how the Dromore standard, unfurled in 1936, stood out from the crowd.
"The old standard has given more than 70 years of service," he said, "but it has become tired looking. It has served its time; that was evident at last year's conference and that was what clinched it for us."
Having secured the agreement of bishop, rector and select vestry, the Legion hopes its old standard will be laid up and its replacement, currently on order, dedicated in Dromore Cathedral on Sunday, June 13.
Dedication of the new standard is just one of a series of events the local branch has already planned to take it right through to this year's Remembrance Day observations on Sunday, November 14.
Mr. Ward, who early last year announced the Dromore Legion's plans to raise its profile and boost membership, said that, one year on, the branch was doing well in general.
"Things had been getting stagnant for a while," he said, "but we are getting more public support and recognition.
One area, he said, in which the branch was in need, was that of Poppy Appeal collectors, and he called on anyone interested in lending a hand to get in touch with the branch.
He pointed out too that in terms of Legion involvement there was no longer any need to have been a member of the armed services; all that was asked was a firm belief in the ethos and cause of the RBL, namely to help all veterans, young and old, and help support
men and women still serving in military operations throughout the world.
With those aims in mind the Dromore branch has planned a number of fundraising and other events for this year, the first a stew night in The Ranch, Dromore, on Saturday, March 13, with music by the Cowpats and all proceeds from the 5 admission going to branch funds.
There will follow a supper dance at Barban Hill in May, with further details nearer the date.
On October 22 the branch is staging a variety concert at Dromore High School, with all proceeds to this year's Poppy Appeal, which it hopes to launch on the night; Baillies Mill Accordion Band will be taking part, with other artistes to be confirmed later.
Mr Ward himself will be running the New York City marathon on November 7 in aid of the Poppy Appeal, Help for Heroes and Whizz-Kidz, a disabled children's charity.
November 14, of course, will see the branch leading local tributes on Remembrance Day, the parade making its way to Banbridge Road Presbyterian Church.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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