The Wilmslow branch of the Royal British Legion could face closure as it has not been fully functioning for the past few years.
The Branch, which was set up in June 1921, has been in existence for 104 years in Wilmslow but due to inactivity over the last few years The County and Membership Council called a Special General Meeting on 5th March to decide what to do next.
MBE Khumi Burton, who received her honour for services to the community in Manchester and Cheshire, attended the meeting and informed them she would like to put a committee together so the Wilmslow branch survives.
Khumi explained "I and two other members were not in favour of closing the branch and those who attended from the County & Membership Council have given us a 3 month grace to see if we can form a committee and try and recruit new members who will help and keep the branch running and in the long run pass on the baton to younger generation.
"So my sincerest plea is support from the people of Wilmslow and neighbouring towns. With the new changes in membership law - you can be members of 4 other branches anywhere in the UK and the membership fee is £20 a year."
Khumi, who arrived in Wilmslow in 1976, initiated the Wilmslow Street Party on Grove Street which was held on the August Bank Holiday for 9 years and became involved with the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal in Wilmslow. She was later to look after the whole of East Cheshire, so she became the East Cheshire County Poppy Appeal Coordinator in 2013, a position she held until 2019.
Additionally, Khumi initiated the Lord Lieutenant's Young People's Poppy Award for 3 years on behalf of the Poppy Appeal in Cheshire, which recognises the contribution of young people and instigate the notion of volunteering in them.
Khumi said "The Legion supports military families throughout the UK and even overseas like Nepal, India and the Far East - the surviving relatives of those who fought in the Second World War which ended the World War Two at the Battles of Imphal and Kohima. I come from Imphal Manipur India. Through the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal families are helped with wet room, white goods, bucket and spade holidays and many other things.
"Royal British Legion also helps us to remember events where your relatives - grandparents, brother, sisters and family members fought for your freedom - which we enjoy today. In this modern world - veterans are from all ages.
"My sincerest request is please help so the Wilmslow Branch of the British Legion remain in Wilmslow. One does not have to be in or ex-military."
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Photo: Khumi with the young forcing supporting the Poppy Appeal in 2019.
Comments
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Is this anything to do with the lie being spread which states that support is akin to glorifying war?
Is this what the youth of today believe?
That to remember those who gave their tomorrows in order that you and I bask in our today is warmongering? God forfend! At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, this grateful nation will remember them.