THE North Tawton branch of the Royal British Legion celebrated its 80th birthday with a dinner at Kayden House recently which was attended by almost 40 members.
The branch was officially founded on February 22, 1922 by Captain Leslie Shaw and throughout the 1920s and 30s was very involved in the the town, organising dances, whist drives, sports days and children's parties as well as fundraising for the annual poppy collection.
But by the end of the second world war and for some time afterwards the branch was struggling — it was, however, due to the efforts of the late Clifford Westlake and Reg Farley that it survived.
Current president William Farrant, 86, said it was a great credit to the local membership that the branch had been going almost as long as the national organisation.
As the number of war veterans declines, and the fact that the post-war National Servicemen are also getting older, the branch depends increasingly on the efforts of associate members who have not served in the armed forces.
Despite this, the number of collectors for the Poppy Appeal has never faltered and their efforts and the generosity of the public has always been excellent, said Mr Farrant, who has been involved with the branch for 20 years.
As well as monthly meetings and events and poppy appeal collections, the North Tawton branch presents a trophy to the top grade pupil at the town school each year before they move onto secondary school and widows of branch members receive a £25 Christmas present.