The ladies of the Legion

Just what makes the Women’s Section so popular with its thousands of members? Holly Kernot went along to her local branch’s meeting to discover more

Published 29 April 2009

I arrive at the Royston Women's Section Meeting on Monday night just in time for tea. As I enter the hall, I am instantly met by the smiling faces of its members.

Pam Davies, who has been Secretary of the club for 20 years, comes forward to greet me. She introduces me to the other ladies, and immediately I am made to feel welcome, handed a cup of tea and a biscuit, and offered a seat.
 
The Royston Branch was founded in 1952 to offer ladies in the local area an opportunity to meet like-minded women, socialise and raise funds for The Royal British Legion.
 
I am interested to find out why these ladies chose to become members, and why they give their time so selflessly. Pam says: ''My husband was in the forces and my family have all been involved in the Legion. I want to support all the other families like mine and anybody who is injured or who has fought for their country. It means everything.''
 
During the evening, I join in with the bingo. I have never played before, so the ladies help me fill out my card. I even win one of the rounds with a 'full house.' Not bad for a beginner.
 
I also partake in what I believe to be the best raffle I have ever bought a ticket for. Not only do all the proceeds go towards the Legion, no one leaves empty handed. It exemplifies the caring nature and community sprit that exists in the meetings.  
 
It is easy to see why so many of the ladies enjoy attending the meetings. Joan Inwood has been a member for four years and explains why she continues to attend. ''I thoroughly enjoy it. The comradeship is beautiful and that is what I come for. We look after each other.''
 
In addition to the weekly meetings, the ladies also have other functions throughout the year, including Mothers Day, Christmas lunches and various day trips. 
 
Sheila Trotti has been a member for five years and attended after she moved to the area from Barking. She says: ''My dad was in the forces in World War II and I come to these meetings because it is nice to come out and see my friends. We all swap birthday cards too.''
 
It is evident from my visit to the club that the ladies are passionate about fundraising for the Legion, but also for the friendship and company that it provides. ''We also send a birthday and Christmas card to the recipients,'' adds another member, Jessica Cooper.
 
The fundraising helps to support the Legion, specifically the Women's Section itself, which is involved in numerous projects and schemes. The Section supports those individuals in need of some sort of financial assistance with a military connection. This includes the Women's Section Allowance for people of 65 and over who need assistance with meeting living costs.
 
There is also a children's scheme to assist with clothing and bedding costs and a President Award Scholarship Scheme, which assists with financial costs towards a child's education.

But it’s the members’ hard work that makes these projects possible. Jessica explains: ''The Women's Section helps to raise funds throughout the year to support the projects. This can be anything from organising fetes to selling cream teas. Although recently people have done other activities such as parachute jumps and marathons.''

She adds: ''The work they do is extremely useful. Without them, they projects wouldn't be as varied as they are.''
 
As my night with the Legion ladies draws to a close, and I collect my prizes, Pam smiles and says: ''You will want to be joining out little club now, with all your luck!''
 
I nod in agreement as I say my goodbyes. I do  want to join the club, but not for the prizes, but rather it's because I can see what this club means to these women, how important it is to them and their community, and how vital their fundraising is to The Royal British Legion.