One hundred volunteers to celebrate one hundred years – that is what the Wiveliscombe branch of the Royal British Legion is after, and they are halfway there.

The branch, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in January next year, is looking to recruit new volunteers to help keep its message of remembrance, support, and community connection alive.

“The membership was petering out with only a few loyal elderly veterans, and we had fewer than 26 at the start of the year, but now we are up to 50, and we want to reach 100 by our centenary,” said Colonel Andrew McInerney, Royal Marines (Retired), chairman of the Wiveliscombe Branch.

Volunteers do not have to be connected with the military, he said, “they just need to be interested in our values. There are organisations only for veterans but we are inclusive for all.”

The work local volunteers do centres on remembrance and the Poppy Appeal, keeping people aware through stands at events, as well as helping veterans and others connect locally through social get-togethers and fun events.

Funds raised go towards the RBL’s national work providing lifelong financial, social, and emotional support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. This ranges from grants and emergency housing to the operation of care homes and the support of former service members transitioning to civilian life.

The RBL, the UK's largest Armed Forces charity, was founded after the First World War to support those who had served and those who had lost, and the Wiveliscombe branch along with others countrywide, continued its work through the Second World War, conflicts of the twentieth century, and into the present day.

Anyone interested in joining can email Victoria Amphlett, Membership Secretary, at [email protected] or visit the stand at Wiveliscombe Horticultural Society Annual Show on August 15.