THE Romsey branch of the British Legion is at risk of closure after almost a century.
The Love Lane-based branch could shut after 97 years if a new committee cannot be formed by January 2019.
This comes after former committee members retired and no-one stepped forward to take their place.
Cllr Peter Hurst became treasurer in February in a bid to save the branch and said at least five committee members, including a secretary and a chairman, are needed ahead of the annual general meeting on January 11.
Customers can recycle their used paper poppies at the Sainsbury’s store in Oldbury.
He said only one person representing the Romsey branch of the British Legion took part in the Remembrance parade in the town centre this year and there has not been a committee meeting since January.
“There is no committee work to do because we don’t have the committee members and the resources. If we can get people coming forward we can continue but if people are not be willing to be part of the committee we will have to close,”he said.
The closure process includes the laying up of the Romsey Standard, meaning it could no longer be paraded.
The Romsey branch is responsible for helping organise the Remembrance parade in the town centre and run fundraising activities and events to remember those who lost their lives in armed conflicts.
“Remembrance is very important and to not have a Romsey-based organisation to run and contribute to all of that would be a great loss,” Councillor Hurst added.
He said the branch has 900 members currently registered but said many of them may not be aware of the issue.
“The problem is we have not communicated with the members very well. I tried to improve communication but it was quite difficult because there are not enough people to do it,” Councillor Hurst said.
Test Valley Borough Councillor Peter Hurst.
A final decision will be made at the meeting set to take place at 7pm on January 11 at the British Legion Club in Love Lane.
The club is the commercial organisation, separate from the branch, and is responsible for running the premises.
To help call 01794 502819.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel