THIS October marks the 10th anniversary of British military operations in the Afghanistan conflict. The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Force Help Devon branch, and other local ex-service welfare organisations, will be remembering the anniversary and the sacrifices made by our men and women and their families.

Since 2001 many members of our Armed Forces have given their lives and many more have been injured, some very seriously.

It will be a long time before the full effect of the conflict is known on all those who have taken part, but as our soldiers, sailors and airmen return home some will be carrying physical and mental scars that will last a lifetime, and for some their long term care will fall to families and friends who sometimes require support themselves.

In the months and years to come, SSAFA and other organisations will be here to help veterans and their families, young and old alike, including those who have served in Afghanistan.

It is important that we remember that the effects of war remain for a long time and that we all owe a debt of gratitude towards those men and women from Devon and elsewhere who served their nation regardless of personal sacrifice.

A D Johnson

On behalf of SSAFA Forces Help Devon branch

MAY I enlighten your readers regarding the Tavistock branch of the Royal British Legion?

Since the RBL Social Club closed at the end of February this year, many people are under the impression that the RBL branch no longer exists, let me assure everyone that the branch is alive and well and very active - in fact, nothing has changed.

Our headquarters is still Legion House, 2 King Street and our main priority remains welfare work for serving and ex-serving personnel.

People will still be able to get their poppies from the usual outlets, and orgaisations can get their wreaths from our Poppy Appeal organiser, Mrs Sheila Allen, as usual.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 13, the parade and service as normal (ie) meet in Russell Street at 10.30 and at 10.40 march to the Guildhall car-park — led by the Stannary Band — where the service will be led by the priest-in-charge the Rev Michael Brierley and his chaplaincy team.

After the march past, all will be welcome at the Tavy Club - formerly the RBL Social Club. On Armistice Day, November 11, at 11 o'clock a short service will be held at the war memorial to remember and honour those brave people who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Again the service will be led by the Rev Michael Brierley.

Jack May

Branch Secretary