Time to remember those who gave their all

THE ROYSTON branch headquarters of the Royal British Legion has undergone a makeover ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Services will take place across the country this Sunday to remember those who have died in conflicts around the world.

In Royston, a parade will leave the British Legion, in Mill Road, at 10.25am on Sunday, and will march to Royston Parish Church, where the service of remembrance will begin at 10.45am.

Chris Murphy, from the Royston Royal British Legion, has been part of a team of legion members and volunteers who have been refurbishing the club.

He said: "At this time of year, the Poppy Appeal is the Legion's main fundraising effort.

"Most of the public show their support by giving a monetary donation and wearing a poppy in support of what it all stands for.

"But the Royston Branch has to generate its own funds for the upkeep of the building.

"The money raised for the Poppy Appeal goes to our headquarters in London - it does not stay in Royston."

When the refurbishment is complete, the British Legion club will be holding an open day to try to attract new members from the wider community.

While carrying out the work, Chris and his team made an interesting discovery, in the form of a postcard dating back to 1926.

"It was hidden in the walls of the hall and written by a member of the Royal Artillery - The hall was used by the Territorial Army in those days," he said.

On November 11 itself, a tree planting ceremony will take place in Priory Memorial Gardens in memory of the Queens Division, which comprised the Royal Anglians, Queen's Regiment, and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.

This was arranged after plans to give the regiments Freedom of the Town were thwarted because Royston does not have sufficient status.

A plaque will also be unveiled during the service, which begins at 10.50am.

A service of remembrance will also take place at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in Steeple Morden, beginning at 10.45am.