BUCKFASTLEIGH. The Royal British Legion Branch in Buckfastleigh is no more.

Sadly the branch has followed suit to that of the women's section and closed down.

Thursday, September 10 saw the ceremony, in St Luke's Church, to lay up the branch standard, a service that was led by the vicar, the Rev John Rowlands.

The standard was carried by Brian Scott of the Crownhill RBL Branch, with escorts from Ashburton and St Budeaux Branches.

A wreath was laid at the chancel steps by Mrs P M Voisey, the former president and secretary.

Among those attending were four ex-servicemen – John Allen (Desert Rats), Bill Legg (Dunkirk), Eric Horsman (D Day landings) and Terry Hallett (Russian convoys) – the deputy mayor of Buckfastleigh, Cllr Dan Merkel, the Devon RBL chairman, Brian Cumming, and Buckfastleigh Branch representative Derek George.

The branch standard joins the women's section standard which was laid up two years ago.

Mrs Voisey, who is 95, said they had appealed many times for new members for the branch and women's section, without success.

'The RBL does such valuable work for ex-servicemen and women and their families. I joined in 1948 and have had some good times and made so many friends.

'Most of us are well over 80, so we had to call it a day,' she said.

Mrs Voisey thanked Colin Hasmer and his daughter, who had organised the Poppy Appeal in Buckfastleigh, and also expressed thanks to Mr Cumming and Devon County RBL.

DAWLISH. The club will be holding a harvest festival on the evening of Sunday, October 4.

Donations of produce and other foodstuffs will be welcome.

After a short service the items are to be auctioned with the money raised being used to give senior citizens a Christmas Party.

The women's section is organising a Hallowe'en evening, in the club, on Saturday, October 31, to which all are invited.

KINGSTEIGNTON. With new heating installed and security improvements completed in the club, everything is on course to achieve the £10,000 target for the remaining repairs and renovations essential to the continuation of the club.

As the specific individual goals are reached, the work has been put in hand, but support is still needed in fundraising and whatever help can be offered.

The August mini-fete raised £735 towards the repairs fund.

Friday evenings continue to be the highlight of the social week, anchored by a meat draw, supported next month by entertainers: October 2 – Jon Malcolm, October 9 – Saggy Bottom Boys, and October 16 – Short Notice.

The early doors trial – opening at 5.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays – has proved a success and hot meals are also available at that time.

You do not have to have served in the forces to join the RBL. All you need is a belief in the principles that the RBL represents and works for.

Anyone who would like to know more can drop into the club at 10 Longford Lane, to meet the members or contact Ted Chenery, on 01626 335655, or the club on 01626 354969.

KINGSTEIGNTON WOMEN'S SECTION. The chairman, Joan Gillson, and five members visited Torbay Hospital Radio on Wednesday, September 9, to see how the unit is run and to meet four of the volunteer staff.

They saw an extensive stock of records and CDs and were taken to one of the wards to see how the patients received the music and messages.

Mrs Gillson broadcast a short message to the patients about the work of the RBL women's section.

RBL publicity officer Margaret Reynolds said they were very impressed by what the radio station was achieving for the benefit of those in hospital.

President Daphne Ley, Mrs Gillson, treasurer Shirley Linnell and Mrs Reynolds attended the bi-annual Devon County RBL Rally, at Okehampton Camp, on Sunday, September 13.

During the afternoon, four Royal Navy parachutists descended and as they fell they released thousands of poppy leaves above the parade ground where the Devon County standards and the Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles were assembled.

Also present were soldiers from the 29 Commando Royal Artillery who had just returned from Afghanistan.

The next meeting is the annual harvest festival in the clubroom on Wednesday, October 7, at 7.30pm. It to be taken by the United Reform Church preacher, Catherine Harris.

NEWTON ABBOT. Volunteers are required to help with the RBL Poppy Appeal, either in the capacity of making up the boxes ready for delivery, delivering or collecting.

The boxes are made up in the RBL Club function room in Marsh Road.

Particularly needed is someone to take the boxes to the Kingskerswell, Decoy and Buckland areas.

Press officer Hilary Mitchell said if anyone had an hour to spare they would be glad of their help.

Any volunteers can contact Mrs Mitchell, or the Poppy Appeal organiser, Francis Toulcher, at the club on 01626 353494.

The Devon County Poppy Appeal is being launched at half-time during Exeter City's League One match at St James's Park, on Saturday, October 24.

Branch president Henry Hill, chairman Ron Reynolds and secretary Mr Toulcher, along with more than 20 members, attended the Devon County RBL Rally, at Okehampton Camp, on Sunday, September 13.

The Newton Abbot RBL standard was carried by Glyn Waldron.

The Royal Naval Association has got its hands on the perpetual challenge shield after beating the RBL in the annual skittles match.

It is only the second time that the RNA has beaten the RBL in ten outings.

'We have won it quite a few times, and we thought we would give them a chance this time,' said Mrs Mitchell.

On Wednesday it is the harvest festival in the club, beginning at 7.30pm. Produce will be auctioned afterwards.

Tickets are £2.50, which includes a ploughman's lunch, and are available from the club.

It is hoped several of the crew of HMS Triumph – Newton Abbot is twinned with the submarine – will be attending a social evening at the club.

Forthcoming Saturday entertainment: Tomorrow – Jon Malcolm. October 3 – Keith Chinnery. October 10 – Claire Bell. October 17 – Drew Millian. October 24 – Grumpy Old Gits.