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Forces sweethearts

If you have a family member in the Royal Navy, RAF or army, find support from other Mumsnetters here.

Royal British Legion

9 replies

LilRedWG · 17/02/2009 17:05

Hi, I'm not a sweetheart, just a regular poster, and hope you don't mind me intruding in this section. I guess I am here because I would like to ask something of you - could you please join/support your local British Legion club.

Yesterday was my Dad's funeral and the support shown to my Mum, my family and myself by the Legion was terrific, even though it is over fifty years since Dad served. Dad was a member ofthe Legion for most of his life and we had innumerable family parties at our loca clubs. Not only that, but my Dad organised the Poppy Appeal in latter years and sat on the board of his local club.

He often used to say to me that he would love more younger members as otherwise the clubs are going to die out with their old members and that they needed some, "young blood" to make them more fun.

If you would like to read about the support our family was given yesterday, then please have a look at my last post here.

Many thanks for taking the time to read and, once again, sorry for any intrusion.

OP posts:
LilRedWG · 17/02/2009 17:06

Sorry for the typos. Am crying like a loon.

OP posts:
hf128219 · 17/02/2009 17:11

Thoughts are with you and this very sad time.

I went to a lovely dinner at the RBL a few weeks ago - my dh was guest of honour!

It was a lovely evening and there were a few younger members there - not many mind.

I think this needs to be brought into the spotlight for all Forces Families. I think we all think it is full of the old and bold.

Shoshe · 17/02/2009 17:12

Oh Red, my thoughts a love go with you.

The British Legion does so much unsung work, that all ex services should make a effort.

we are members although rarely go I must admit, but then we rarely go out anyway.

LilRedWG · 17/02/2009 23:14

Thank you both. I just want to raise awareness as a tribute to my Dad. I was so touched yesterday. They were not asked to do anything, but it was so kind of them.

OP posts:
glucose · 17/02/2009 23:24

LilRedWG I am sorry for your loss.
I have lived in some very typical garrison towns where the legion is used by many younger members.
I don't think they will die out, as soldiers retire get on in their years (and have more time to spare) they head towards the legion to find other people they have something in common with- age being one of them.
Thank you so much for caring about this and posting. Your Dad sounds like a really special person.

LilRedWG · 17/02/2009 23:27

Glucose - that's good to hear. My dad's local is in Birmingham (no local bases) and I guess that's why. It's great to hear that the clubs are thriving elsewhere.

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TheDevilWearsPrimark · 17/02/2009 23:32

LilRedWG I read your threads as you lost your Dad, just didn't think I could contribute anything other than what posters had.

My grandfathers funeral was attended by a whole host of legion members, it was very moving. Two of my uncles now attend their local clubs.

As for me, we have a group just down the road, I go every week and help organise raffles, lunches etc. Such a worthwhile cause.

Loss is a strange thing. I do hope you are okay.

FairLadyRantALot · 17/02/2009 23:38

awww LilRedWG...so sorry for your loss!
Dh is now exarmy and joined the British Legion....some sort of Biker thing...

I am glad you got the support you did!

MotherOfGirls · 19/02/2009 09:04

I have just read your post about the funeral and am now trying to pull myself together again. I am so sorry for your loss - and so glad to hear that the funeral was obviously as perfect as these occassions can ever be.

Thank you for posting here to remind us all of the fantastic work done by the British Legion. I hope you and your family have happier times ahead.

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