A charity rugby match to commemorate Remembrance Day was such a success that organisers now hope to make it an annual event.
The first Melksham Military Veterans v Melksham RFC Veterans competition was held at the Oakfields Stadium on Friday 9th November.
Marking a hundred years since the end of the First World War, former Melksham soldiers who had served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan competed against a ‘veterans’ team from Melksham RFC.
A bugler marked the start of the two-minute silence with ‘The Last Post’ while both teams, their support staff and members of the Melksham Army Cadet Force lined the pitch.
After a gruelling match in pouring rain and strong winds, the final score was 19-5 to Melksham RFC Veterans, with the Military Veterans scoring a late try in the second half.
Supporters then enjoyed a bar, live music and raffle. Around 200 people attended the event and helped to raise £1,066 for the Royal British Legion.
Trevor Paterson of the Royal British Legion said, “The community spirit was extremely encouraging. “The centenary of the end of the Great War was the perfect time to begin a new tradition to support our charity.”
Andy Thompson, honorary secretary for Melksham RFC said, “We were very proud to host the match and it was great to see the amazing turn-out. It was an absolutely fantastic night and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event.”
One of the event organisers, Matt Sidnell said, “We were delighted by the overwhelming response from the local community, not only from the supporters who joined us on the night, but also from all of the businesses who provided such generous raffle prizes.
“The total raised was £1,066, including £159 from a collection by the Royal British Legion and £907 from a collection by the cadets and the rugby club. It was a fantastic evening and we now hope to make it even bigger and better next year!”
The Royal British Legion supports serving and retired servicemen and woman and their families. Visit www.britishlegion.org.uk. Melksham RFC are an official RFU-supported community rugby club, and are looking for new players for all teams, from U10s to the 1st XV. Visit www.melkshamrfc.co.uk or call 07926 929 858.
Above: From left to right, Ken Graham, chairman of the Melksham Branch, Royal British Legion, Trevor Paterson, Melksham Branch president and Poppy Appeal organiser, Royal British Legion, and event organisers Paul Cador, Julian Jones, and Matt Sidnell.
