The Legion’s traditional role in Eynsham is to run the Poppy Appeal and lead the village’s Act of Remembrance in the Square on Remembrance Sunday. We also observe the “Silence in the Square” at 11am on the 11th of November in those years when it doesn't coincide with Remembrance Sunday. This year, Silence in the Square will be observed on Thursday 11th November, with Remembrance Sunday on the following Sunday, 14th November. At this stage it has not been confirmed exactly what can and cannot be done on either day but be assured that we shall try and do something on both days, as we did last year. Julie Jordan has kindly agreed to organise the Poppy Appeal again this year and will circulate details of where you can obtain your poppies, wreaths etc.
Founded 100 years ago The Legion’s aim was to support those who had suffered from service during the 1st World War and to honour those who died in it, on the annual date of Remembrance fixed as 11th of November. The Legion’s continuing remit has been to provide the same support for those who have served in the Armed Forces during peace and the many wars and conflicts since then. Our War Memorial lists those members of the village who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, but there may well be others connected with Eynsham who served and possibly died or were injured in those other conflicts. The Armed Forces’ involvement in Afghanistan is over, but both serving and ex-service personnel are still likely to need assistance from the Legion and other charities for many years to come.
We hope that the Eynsham branch of the Legion will continue to play its part, BUT to do so, we urgently need new and younger members to augment the labours of the few of us oldies left holding the fort!
If you feel able to help, please contact one of us noted below. In particular, the branch needs a full-time Standard Bearer. Ginge Ayres, who lives for part of the year in Hong Kong, will, we hope, be back to help us over Remembrance in November. If you feel that you would like to carry out this important role for the branch, we should be very pleased to hear from you. “The Legion welcomes everyone whether or not you have a connection with the Armed Forces”!
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Branch Secretary - Mrs Eve Hollis 01865 880550
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Branch Chairman - Brigadier Mike Stephens 01865 881340