AFTER our bi-monthly meetings earlier in the year, the September meeting marked the return to monthly assemblies for the immediate future due to the forthcoming Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Sunday services.

At our previous meeting we had a presentation by Ted Dodsworth on The Mercian Regiment and the anticipated MOD cutbacks and Roger Gurney advised us of a fund that may be available to upgrade the war memorial at Callow End.

On the sports scene we did well in the annual skittles challenge with the Powyke WI and won the trophy back this year.

Madresfield club are planning an Harvest Festival Auction on October 13 at 8pm to raise funds for the RBL and another event is planned for Callow End in November, details to follow.

On a much more serious note and looking to the immediate future, we desperately need some new members if the RBL is to continue to function in Powick and Callow End and we also desperately need some volunteer Poppy Collectors for Byrons Wood and Alton Park areas.

Our appeals in the past have fallen largely on deaf ears and perhaps many people who would like to join us may be thinking that you must have served in the forces to qualify. This is not true.

Anyone can be a member of the Royal British Legion male or female, and we welcome junior members as well.

If we are to still have an active and caring presence in the local community, please support us with a little of your time if you can.

Without the Royal British Legion, Remembrance Sunday services in our villages would not be the same.

If you would like more information please contact 01905 830446 for Poppy collectors, or 01905 830805 to join as a member.

Our next meeting will be at Madresfield Club on Tuesday, October 9, at 8pm, and we would welcome friends who care to join us.

JOHN MASON