Bromsgrove's Royal British Legion chairman fears branch could be forced to close

Patrick Smith has been chairman since 2007 and says it is one of the worst situations the branch has faced during his time in charge.

The branch, which was established 91 years ago, has 90 members - but he says only 15 regularly turn up for meetings.

At the next annual general meeting the branch is looking for a president, chairman, vice chairman, treasurer, secretary, a welfare representatives, a poppy appeal organiser and membership secretary.

Patrick, who served 22 years in the Army Medical Corps, said: "If these positions are not filled there is a very strong possibility that the branch will have to close.

"This will result in no more ex-military parades in Bromsgrove in the format that is currently in place, for example the VJ parade and Remembrance parade."

Patrick said he was very worried about the situation, but it could be turned around if they are able to find at least 12 people willing to attend meetings.

"In 2007 - we were pretty close to closing then," he said.

"Six people turned up at meetings. We managed to turn it round, but it has been back on the decline since then.

"I still work full time, and it is difficult to run with so few members.

"It is not as if we need people to give up weeks of their time - just a few hours a month.

"We need people to come forward -  just come along to our meetings or contact us."

Volunteers, who need not have been members of the armed forces, would just be expected to attend just one evening meeting a month. All meetings are held at Millfields Social Club in Millfield Road.

The next meeting takes place on Thursday, October 22, while the key annual general meeting, when vacancies are filled, takes place on Thursday, November 19.

The branch's first meeting took place at the Dog and Pheasant pub on January 16, 1924, and over the decades it has played a vital role.

Anyone interested in supporting the branch can call Patrick on 07949789841, or Fred Pearson on 01214456755.