On Tuesday 13th June the Amesbury Branch of the Royal British Legion welcomed the Amesbury Girls’ Brigade into the Legion ‘family’ as Affiliate Members; the first youth group to be invited to join since The Air Training Corps around 12 years ago.

The special occasion was celebrated in the Brigade HQ, the Methodist Church in High Street.

Amesbury RBL chairman Richard Allen, in addressing the large gathering of girls of a wide age range, discovered what, if anything, the girls knew about the meaning of the poppy, the purpose of fund raising and the importance of the annual Remembrance Sunday Parade in which many Girls Brigade already participate.

Even the little ones were aware of the symbolism and underlying practical reasons for the annual Poppy Appeal and parade.

He spoke briefly about the significance of the family ethos linking us all, radiating from the home, through school, our country and ultimately the human race and all living creatures. Belonging and caring were symbolised in the Certificate of Affiliation which Richard presented to the captain, Mrs Gillian Clarke MBE on behalf of the branch.

The official Legion connection will create a real sense of belonging and co-operation and will now formalise an already historic and valued relationship.

After the presentation, Richard and Paddy, the RBL secretary, spent a very enjoyable and interesting time seeing the girls in their various age-appropriate activities, talking to the leaders and the Methodist minister, Revd. Rosemary Fletcher.