THE Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) held another successful Gala Poppy Concert evening in the main hall at Court Fields School on Friday night.

The event, sponsored by H. Tredwin & Sons, saw three generations support the RBL – branch standard bearer Robert Trickey; Kaitlin Rood – Robert’s daughter – standard bearer for the Wellington & District Branch Women’s Section; and Emma Rood – Robert’s grand-daughter – who placed the posy of poppies on the Drumhead given and displayed by Taunton Sea Scouts.

The audience was entertained by the wonderful Somerset Hills Chorus, the lovely Esta Felix – a former music scholar from Wellington School – and Wellington’s very own amazing Silver Band, conducted by their music director Gordon Francis, who entertained the audience with a sing-a-long to songs such as It’s a Long Way to Tipperary and many more.

Several VIPs attended – Mr & Mrs Robert McDonald – Mr McDonald, the RBL Somerset county chairman, conducted the Exhortation; Mr & Mrs Michael Rose – Mr Rose is president of the Wellington branch; Wellington Deputy Mayor Janet Lloyd and husband Ian; Rev Tim Treanor, who conducted the act of remembrance accompanied by the deputy head boy and deputy head girl from Court Fields School, Emma Rood and Harrison Hooper. Wellington branch chairman Ray Filler conducted the Kohima Epitaph.

A raffle was drawn with numerous donated prizes, raising a significant sum of money towards the Poppy Gala. The RBL would like to thank all the distinguished guests – Somerset Hills Chorus, Esta Felix, Wellington Silver Band, Court Fields School, Monica Summers, the WI for serving refreshments, the RBL standard bearers led by county standard bearer John Gallop, and most of all everyone who attended for making the evening a great success.

Anyone who would like to find out more about the RBL is welcome to join members at their meetings at Wellington Football Club – everyone is welcome.