THERE is a shortage of women joining the Royal British Legion in Ludlow.

An appeal has been made as the number of members in the women’s section drops to what is thought to be an all time low.

The main problem is the passing of the years according to Hilda Roberts, the chair of the women’s section.

Membership is now down to about 40 while at its peak it has been in the high three figures.

Perhaps even more worrying is the age profile with just one member under the age of 50.

She is Marsha Spittle, aged 15, who is the grand-daughter of the group treasurer Margaret Spittle.

The group believes that the numbers are also down because they will be moving out of Victory House in Ludlow which is being sold.

“Our membership is made up of older people and there are not enough younger members joining which is a great shame,” said Mrs Spittle.

The women’s section plays a very important part in the work of the group as it is heavily involved in fund raising such as the annual poppy appeal.

They also hold regular sales and other events. Members meet on the first Friday of every month and membership is £7 a year.

Members also take part in a number of social events throughout the year.

There is no need to be a member of the armed forces or to have ever served in the services to join the Royal British legion.

Falling membership is a national problem for the Legion and is attributed largely to the loss of people through death and old age who were members of the armed forces in the years when there was conscription.

Anyone interested in joining the women’s section will be welcome to attend a meeting on the first Friday of any month at the Royal British Legion in Mill Street.