AN organisation which supports veterans could be at risk of closure due to a lack of support.

Bude’s branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is calling for more members, to avoid its impending closure — with the group’s former chairman saying it is in ‘desperate need of volunteers’.

Active member and former chairman of Bude RBL Dave Worth said he doesn’t think the group will last much longer if it does not receive the necessary support.

Speaking to the Post, he said: “I would guess that we have around 100 members but there are only a handful that are active.

“I’ve been involved for about eight years firstly as standard barrier, then vice chairman, and then took over from Godfrey Harrison as chair five years ago.

“Due to work commitments, I’ve had to pull back, but I used to give 10 days a year for five years in order to hold collections.”

Alongside the RBL, Dave also established Bude’s Royal Marine Association, which also supports the town’s service personnel.

Founded in the aftermath of the First Word War, the Royal British Legion has been a constant presence for the Armed Forces community for more than a century and today continues its work to provide support for active and retired service personnel.

The aim of the organisation is to create connections across communities and wider society by providing a space for those who have served to meet and connect.

Ahead of the upcoming Poppy Appeal, the branch has taken the opportunity to call for local support, stating that ‘the branch is very close to collapsing’.

Dave continued: “I don't think the branch will last much longer and we will probably have to sell building as its hardly ever used.

“The group does what it can, and we get lots if people asking how they can help or when meetings are but a lot of the time it’s only ever words.”

After Dave stepped down as chair, local resident Tanky Williams took on the role.

“Tanky has been involved with RBL for over 30 years and his efforts are amazing,” explained Dave. “As well as Paul Mallard who looks after building, Brian Inch who looks after bookwork, Peter Phillips who is vice president, and Dominick Gerity is secretary. Godfrey Harrison is still president but due to ill health comes along when he can.”

Ahead of this year’s Poppy Appeal, which raises around £20,000 each year, and the ongoing issues at the branch, the group is holding a meeting on October 21 at its base in 5 Burn View.

The group is inviting the public to attend the meeting and show their support for this community asset in an effort to save it from closure. The occasion acts as an opportunity for new members to join, residents to volunteer their time to the cause and for people to put forward ideas for the branch’s fundraisers.

Those who wish to get involved can attend the upcoming meeting or contact Tanky via email on: [email protected]