WE, the ladies of the Trowbridge Women's Branch of the British Legion, are trying to save our branch from closing down.

We came very close to it at our AGM last November but we decided to move our meetings to evenings to see if we can recruit some younger ladies who cannot attend an afternoon meeting because they are working or collection school children.

Through your newspaper can I ask you to print this letter to make contact with any possible recruits?

Initially, if they contact me by phone, mobile or e-mail, we can arrange a mutually convenient evening.

They don't have to be ex-servicewomen, although they will be made very welcome. Any lady can join the RBL, ie if their husband, father, brother or other male relative served in HM Forces, or if they are just interested and want to become an honorary member. All will be welcome.

Trowbridge is not the only branch in this situation. A National Recruitment is about to take place this year.

We have to get younger women interested to take the place of a fast-declining generation. At the moment, because of the small number of ladies, we meet at my home on the third Monday in the month for a short meeting, a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits, a gossip, a raffle and a discussion on how to raise funds which all have to be sent to head office who in turn help members of the RBL in a financial manner.

Last November we organised a Poppy Bingo and raised £300 for the Poppy Appeal.

Thank you very much. Come along ladies, we need you.

MOLLY HOPKINS,

Secretary of the Women's Branch of the Royal British Legion,

Trowbridge.

Tel: (01225) 752564;

mobile: 07836 248471;

mollyhopkins71@hotmail.com