Although the inaugural meeting of the Branch was held in 1921 it did not join the Legion family officially until 25^th April 1922.   The first Branch Secretary was Mr. W. Smeathers, who was the grandfather of a recent President, Mr Michael Shipton.

From this date there is no record of what happened to the Branch as there are no minute books available for the 10 year period until 1933 when the Branch won the Haig Cup, one of only three branches to do so at this time.

The winning of the Haig Cup was held with great pride by members within the branch and is still regarded with pride today. Within this time the Branch was also awarded a Branch efficiency certificate on more than one occasion and was awarded a Certificate of Merit from the Midland Region.

In the 1930s the branch flourished and won the Midland Air Gun Competition against the Shewsbury Branch. 

However, like many other branches, activity was reduced leading up to and during World War 2, after which the branch again took up the reins and continued to gain strength. At that time the branch had different committees for the functions associated with Legion business such as Welfare, Sport and a Sick Club.   Branch meetings were held on a fortnightly basis and they moved from one public house to another, with funds being  raised to buy a hut for a permanent Branch HQ and Social Club. The hut was finally purchased and all the relevant procedure was in place but for some reason this project was not completed and the hut was sold on.

In the late 1970s, the branch membership had declined and was eventually reduced to five members. In September 1979 a make or break meeting was held to reinvigorate the branch which was very successful and resulted in approximately sixty members being recruited.

In 1982, two members had the honour to represent the branch at Coventry Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen. One member was asked to help with the collection during the service.

In 1992 the branch held a 70th Anniversary Service and Parade which was graced with the attendance of Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.  Also in attendance were the Lord Lieutenant, the County President and officials from the Area Committee.   In the parade were the Area Standard, County Standard, Finedon Branch Standard and Branch Standards from across the county. The Planning of this event took over two years.

The early 1990s also saw the branch having great success in the sporting world including the Single Rink Bowls Flat Green Bowls Team winning the National Finals Competition and then going on to win the International Final at Woodhall Spa against Scotland.

The branch has supported local events in Finedon and Irthlingborough Towns including helping with the dedication of the renewal of the plaques on the Scout War Memorial and participating in town carnivals and events.

The branch has also been very successful in Standard Bearers competitions for many years as well as holding the County Standard from the mid 1990’s to the present day.

In the late 1990’s owing to the closure of other nearby branches in Irthlingborough and Woodford it was decided to change the name of the branch to Finedon, Irthlingborough and District.

Maintaining its core role of facilitating remembrance, the branch has attended and assiated in all Remembrance Day Services in Finedon from 1979 until the present day. It also has members attending the services at Irthlingborough and Woodford which form part of its branch area.

In 2005 the branch approached Finedon Mulso Junior School to see if they would be interested in taking part in a small Remembrance Service to lay a Wreath and for the children to plant crosses; this continues to the present time and has been extended to Irthlingborough and Woodford schools holding a similar event at their War Memorials.

During the early 2000’s the branch was honoured to have a member take on the position of County Chairman for six years and have supported the County Committee for many years with filling the Vice Chairman, Standard Bearer and other official positions.  We are pleased to report that our Standard Bearers have also supported major events such as GP 90 and providing Legion representation at other parades and funerals.

Currently the branch is struggling to maintain its membership level which is now down to forty but we continue to provide regular meetings and social events for our members as well as a Branch Community Support service to the wider Armed Forces community and their families.

On 24th April 2022 we celebrated our Branch Centenary with a Service of Thanksgiving  attended by the Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire and other civil dignitaries, TRBL representatives plus local uniformed organisations and supporters.