Service and God

A Wiltshire town has seen a new branch of the Royal British Legion inaugurated in the parish church.

St James’ Church hosted the inaugural service of the Ludgershall Branch of the RBL at a Eucharist on Sunday.

Members of the branch corporately dedicated themselves to the service of God, particularly pledging to help those injured in war and those who have been left bereaved by war.

Ludgershall has been without its own branch of the Royal British Legion for some years now, but is uniquely placed to help those who have served, simply because so many people there, in the heart of the Salisbury Plain training areas, have previously served or have family connections with the Armed Forces.  

The Revd Claire Maxim, Rector of St James, said “It is a rare thing for new branch of the Royal British Legion to be inaugurated, and so St James’ was delighted to be approached by the founders to be the venue for the inauguration.

“For those of us who do not have much sense of connection with the military, this new Branch of the Royal British Legion is a great opportunity to understand the work which goes on behind the big Remembrance events, and which goes far beyond poppies and fund raising.

“The Royal British Legion offers round the year support to those who struggle with daily life because of the effects of serving our society in the Armed Forces, or because of the service of close family members.”

The Branch will meet on the fourth Thursday of the month at 7pm at Ludgershall Sports and Social Club, and anyone willing to dedicate themselves to the service of God by serving others is welcome.