THIS year marks the beginning of the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the start of the Great War and also the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Royal British Legion Women’s Section in Melksham.
Julie Carter, branch secretary explained, “The Melksham branch was one of the first in the country, which is not surprising with the large military presence in the county then as now.
“On Sunday 25th May the Melksham Women’s Section Branch Standard was rededicated in a ceremony woven into the morning Holy Communion at St Michaels & All Angels Church.
“The service was attended by representatives from Melksham councils and guests from Wiltshire County RBL and Women’s Section and standard bearers from the county. Following the service, Legion members, guests and the congregation enjoyed a buffet lunch in the church.
“The rededication was carried out by the Archdeacon of Wiltshire, Ven Ruth Worsley and after the service, a National Certificate of Appreciation was presented to the branch chairman, Shirley West, Section county chairman, Marie Nunn MBE. The celebrations continued on Wednesday 28th May with a coach trip to the National Memorial Arboretum.
“The Melksham branch continue with their fund raising work to raise money to support the Women’s Section national schemes supporting ex-service women, wives, ex-wives, widows, widowers and children of ex-service personnel who are in financial hardship due to age, ill-health or other difficulties.”
