THE British Legion in Cleobury Mortimer is moving into its second century with a busy programme of events.

In March the Branch held its Annual Luncheon in Cleobury’s Parish Hall.

More than 40 members and guests enjoyed a three course meal, and were then entertained by Clare Hadwell, recalling some of her experiences of the 30 years she spent as a teacher of the children of UK service personnel in Germany and Belgium.

The next event is a Branch outing to Wormelow on Sunday, July 10, to take part in the 2022 Violette Szabo Day. This commemorates one of the only three women winners of the George Cross in world-war-two. Violette was an agent of the Special Operations Executive, working behind enemy lines in Occupied France. In 1944, during her second mission, she was captured and sent to Ravensbrück concentration camp, where she was shot in early 1945, aged 23. In 2000, Rosemary Rigby established a small Violette Szabo museum at Wormelow, and has held a celebration of Violette’s life every summer since then.

The Legion is organising a coach trip to Wormelow for the day, and all are welcome to join, Legion members and non-members alike. The day will include a short commemorative service, addresses, and a tea. The coach will leave the Talbot Hotel at noon, and tickets cost £15 each.

The Cleobury Branch of the British Legion (not ‘Royal’ until 1971) was formed in 1921, less than two months after the new national body had been created on May 15 1921 to represent the interests of ex-servicemen. Cleobury Mortimer branch is therefore one of the oldest in the country.

The Branch always welcomes new members contact Membership Secretary Matt Sheehan on 01299 271347 for details, or join up on-line.