New premises for Wellingborough's Royal British Legion

The branch moved into its new premises in the Tithe Barn several months ago, but invited Wellingborough mayor Malcolm Ward along for the official opening on Monday (October 8).

It means members have a permanent base as they raise vital funds to provide financial, social and emotional support to members and veterans of the British Armed Forces, their families and dependants.

Poppy Appeal organiser for the Wellingborough, Great Doddington & District branch George Lok said: “This is permanent for us so we can operate from here all year.

“We have been in here for three or four months now.

“Having this is the best thing that’s happened to us.”

Legion members are hoping their new location will help them in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday, especially as this year is 100 years since the end of World War One.

Mr Lok said: “We raised £45,000 with last year’s Poppy Appeal.

“We are hoping to get well over £50,000 this year, everything is in place.”

And he added: “It’s important to support the Poppy Appeal because it does such great things with the money it raises.

“That’s why we do it, for the soldiers who have died for us so we can live.”

Branch chairman Andrew Hunter said they invited Cllr Ward to the official opening as a way to thank Wellingborough Council for leasing them the town centre building, which they say will be an ideal location for them.

It will be open from 10am to 2pm for two weeks from October 27 to November 10, including from 10am to 1pm on Saturdays.

People can pop into the office to buy wreaths or go to the branch’s website for more details.

For further information about this year’s Poppy Appeal or to order a wreath, call 01933 382561 or email [email protected].

While the Wellingborough branch has 94 members, the number who hold committee roles or who regularly help out is much smaller so they are always looking for new members to join them.

More details about the branch are available on its Facebook page.