History of the Ross-on-Wye Branch

The branch was formed on 13th November 1923

Unfortunately the first Minute Book is missing so details of this are not available.

However over the years the Branch was well supported and at one time had a membership of over 300. Sadly the number decreased as those veterans who had served in WW1 passed away but of course WW2 brought another increase in the membership.

From the records we have managed to find the Branch was very active in the early days - in fact right up to the 80's/90's, there were annual dinners, coach trips, concerts, whist drives etc which were all well attended. At this time the RBL also had a very strong WOMENS SECTION who no doubt helped with these events.

In September 1993 there were 184 members and only 20 are still with us - this means that over the past twenty years we have lost 164 members. At present we have just over 100 members - many of whom are not ex services - without their help the Branch would certainly fold just as others are doing throughout the Country.

We are very fortunate in Ross that over the past couple of years the branch has become stronger - we now have a very good and committed group of people who are prepared to help. Recently two young people in their early twenties joined the branch. Hopefully this will mean more input from the younger generation - they are the future of this great organisation which is needed as much today as ever. So many people are helped on a daily basis but it is important to emphasize the need to keep all the branches going, they are usually the first port of call. They are the people who get the message out to all corners of the country and their input however small is very important.

To bring you up to date with what is going on at the present moment - there are a lot of changes within the Royal British Legion under the heading " Pathway to Growth" - the idea behind this is to bring us into the 21st Century. It is now split into regions rather than counties. Herefordshire/Worcestershire & Gloucester are now managed from the regional office which is Bristol. In the near future there will be a drop-in centre in Hereford at Franklyn House, Commercial Road which will be opened two mornings per week where anyone can go and ask questions. However if anyone needs help the first contact is still their local branch - (Welfare Representative - Margaret Jones - 01989 566301) or in fact anyone of the Committee members.