"What is the future of the Legion?"  A question that leaves opinion divided.  

 A day out at one of the Armed Service's greatest sporting and social occasions of the year would suggest that it lay in the hands of the young, the next generation, the group we now call the Afghanistan generation.

The grey, brooding outline of Twickenham Stadium looks impressive as around 60,000 enthusiastic service and ex-service personnel, their families and friends descend on Twickenham to watch the annual Babcock Trophy game.  But, the spectacle doesn't start with the 3 o'clock kick-off in the stadium; it starts a drop-kick away on the immaculately manicured rugby pitches at nearby Kneller Hall.

The Royal Military School of Music recently provided the prelude to the Inter-Services Championship game between the Army and the Royal Navy, playing host to morning matches between the Army Women's XV and their counterparts from the Royal Navy and a bruising encounter between the Vets of the two Services.

As the players arrived, the Royal British Legion's mobile display unit stood like 'Billy-no-mates' in the middle of the vast playing field.  This beautifully liveried articulated vehicle was in position early and was made ready by a team from the Legion's Membership Department.

Minutes before the gates opened only a handful of visitors stood waiting for admission and the Membership team must have wondered whether the profile raising initiative would prove worthwhile. By the time the two morning games started they were engulfed in a sea of humanity.

But, what sparks such enthusiasm and excitement.  The event was part-party (for some a fancy-dress party) and part re-union.  It was a meeting of old friends, comrades, with much hand-shaking, hugging, kissing and reminiscing and it soon became apparent that this gathering was something special. 

It is always a busy morning for the Membership team and remains so until the crowds sweep into Rugby's 'H.Q' for the Trophy game.  A constant stream of individuals and groups step up to talk about the work of the Legion and many are keen to purchase Legion merchandise.

"We do not use this as an opportunity to sell merchandise," said Head of Membership Bob Gamble. "It is more important that we engage with members of the Services, to explain what the Legion is, what it does and what it has to offer them."

Somewhat surprisingly, many Service people are not aware of the Legion's work.   The Membership initiative is about profile raising, about talking to and engaging with today's Service personnel, showing them that the Royal British Legion is relevant to them and that it can make a difference. 

Kneller Hall certainly rocks on Babcock Trophy day, lifted by thousands of current and newly ex-Service personnel.  They certainly enjoy the party and will, hopefully, consider standing should to shoulder with The Royal British Legion in the future, for they are the future.