Long Sutton could lose its Royal British Legion connection
A town could be losing its Royal British Legion connection after more than 70 years unless younger people step forward to help.
Members of Long Sutton Royal British Legion Club committee are running a ballot on the future of the West Street venue.
While the separate committee for the branch has announced it will be disbanding in June unless younger people take over.
Both committees are made-up of older members who are looking to retire and pass on the baton.
Branch secretary Sandra Walker has made numerous appeals in recent years for people to volunteer and stresses that a connection with the armed forces is not necessary. She said: “If people want the branch to remain then they have to step up to the plate and take it over.
“That is the only way it is going to happen as the branch committee are going to step down in June.
“Our chairman is 86 years-old and has been involved in the branch for 54 years and the others are not far behind.
“There comes a point when someone else who is younger takes over or we close down.”
The club committee is facing a similar problem with committee members looking to retire.
Club committee treasurer Barrie Crowson said that the 90 members are currently being asked if they agree or disagree with the closure of the club. The ballot closes on Monday, April 12.
Mr Crowson said: “A lot depends on the result of the ballot and then we will make a decision based on the results. If members decide they would like to keep it open then we will probably have to go with that.
“The fact is that a few people would like to retire and we we need people to replace us. We would like younger active members that can help with the committee to organise functions and raise money.”
If members agree to the closure of the club, the future of the building will then be decided by the four trustees of the building.
The branch dates back to 1943 when the town rallied to support veterans who were coming back from the Second World War.
To support the club committee contact Barrie Crowson on 01406 362076.
