Remembrance Sunday parade future in doubt

Remembrance Sunday parade future in doubt

31 October 2018

NEXT weekend’s Remembrance Sunday parade in Downpatrick could be the last ever to take place in the town.

Royal British Legion officials have warned that dwindling numbers could force the branch to close, ending the organisation’s connection with the town that stretches back several generations.

While everything is in place for the November 11 parade and poppy appeal collectors are on the streets of the town this week, the future of the Downpatrick branch remains precariously uncertain.

Branch chairman Andy Campbell, and his deputy, Raymond Martin, say new members are required if the organisation is to remain in existence and for the annual Remembrance Day parade to continue.

The branch was forced to close its Church Street premises several years ago and while the current membership stands at 15, the bulk of its work is carried out by just a handful of people.

Branch officials say an injection of new blood is required to keep the heartbeat of the branch alive, otherwise it will cease to exist.

For the past four years, the branch has been concentrating its efforts on the Remembrance Sunday parade and annual poppy collection, but dwindling membership is taking its toll.

“The Downpatrick branch is facing the inevitable if we can’t get new members,” said Mr Martin. “The current situation has been a long time coming and without new blood we will simply cease to exist anymore.

“This would be very sad, given the sacrifice of the many people we commemorate every November.

“We do not have strength in numbers and need more people to come forward to remain in business. You do not have to be ex-service to join our branch.”

Mr Martin said a lot of effort has gone into organising the annual remembrance parade on November 11 and the branch was keen that all its current members take part.

“If we don’t get new members, the future of the branch and the remembrance parade is in serious doubt,” he continued.

“If there is no Royal British Legion branch in Downpatrick, a licence cannot be issued for the annual remembrance parade to take place.

“We are hoping we can remain in business but for that to happen we need new members. The Royal British Legion operates an open membership policy and we really hope that there are people out there who would be keen to join our organisation.”

Mr Martin, who is also the Downpatrick branch’s standard bearer, said many of the local RBL officials were “getting on in years”.

He said the branch had also lost several senior members over recent years and needed new blood urgently.

He added: “We are on the verge of ceasing to exist. I have been a branch member for 42 years and we need others to come forward to keep the organisation going. Our numbers have dwindled over the years and we need new blood urgently.

Mr Campbell said the current membership was “succumbing to age,” reinforcing Mr Martin’s warning that if new members don’t come forward, the branch would have to close.

“We are also looking for poppy collectors to help us and would greatly appreciate it if a few volunteers would be prepared to help us out. All we need is for someone to give us an hour or two.

“The situation is that the Downpatrick branch cannot survive with its current membership and we need new people to help us. There is not a big commitment involved but strength in numbers would be a great help,” he added.

• Anyone interested in joining the Downpatrick branch is asked to contact Mr Campbell in writing at 1 Roughal Park, Downpatrick.