Marking a hundred years since the end of the First World War, former Melksham soldiers who have served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan will compete against a ‘veterans’ team from Melksham RFC.
The match, due to be held at the Oakfields stadium on the evening of Friday 9th November – in advance of the Remembrance Day weekend – will raise money for the Royal British Legion. The match kicks off at 7.30pm, with a bar, food, raffle and live music.
Fiona Dobson, Royal British Legion representative for Wiltshire said, “It’s so encouraging to see all members of the community coming together to raise the profile of our local veterans. The match is a great initiative to raise much-needed funds for our charity.”
Andy Thompson, honorary secretary for Melksham RFC said, “We are delighted to be supporting both the military veterans and our own club veterans who will be taking part in the game.
“With this year being the 100-year anniversary of the end of the First World War, it is fitting that we are hosting our first annual Veterans vs Veterans game in support of the Royal British Legion.”
The bar opens at 7pm, with live music from 9pm. A collection will be held throughout the night by the Melksham Cadet Force, with further funds being raised from food sales and a raffle, including prizes such as signed rugby shirts and meals at local pubs and restaurants.
Raffle tickets are available from the rugby club, the Water Meadow and The Foresters Arms, but event organisers are keen to receive more raffle prizes. Call Matt Sidnell on 07876 570569 for information or to donate raffle prizes.
The weekend of remembrance concludes with the annual parade, forming up at Kingsbury Square on Sunday 11th November at 10.35am before marching to the memorial at Canon Square and then the service at St Michael’s Church.
The Royal British Legion supports serving and retired servicemen and woman and their families. Visit www. britishlegion.org.uk
Melksham RFC is an official RFU-supported community rugby club, and is looking for new players for all teams, from U10s to the 1st XV. Visit www.melkshamrfc.co.uk or call 07926 929 858.
Above: Ken Graham, chairman of the Melksham branch, Royal British Legion and Trevor Paterson, president, and Poppy Appeal organiser, Royal British Legion, promoting the Veterans v Veterans match.
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