A COCKERMOUTH group which has represented local links with the armed forces for more than half a century is set to close unless new members come forward.
The town's Royal British Legion was reformed in 1969. Chairman Stephen Coates joined that year and has been critical in supporting the group for the past 50 years.
"There are only about three of us left so we will be packing up in Cockermouth unless new members are found, in which case I'm willing to try carrying on," said Mr Coates, 82.
"I would like to keep it going to represent the Armed Forces in Cockermouth but the numbers have just dwindled off.
"If we close, the standard will be laid up. We will not be represented at the cenotaph or Remembrance services."
Mr Coates became standard bearer for the legion and the Border Regiment in 1978 until he broke his leg 23 years ago on Remembrance Sunday.
He will be reading the exhortation at a special rededication service at the town cenotaph on Sunday.
Clive Sumpter, membership support office Cumberland and Westmorland, said: "The legion in Cockermouth has a standard which is paraded at every British Legion and Remembrance event.
"That standard represents everyone who has given their lives from the Cockermouth area.
"It's vitally important to keep it being paraded, which cannot happen if there is no branch. The branch has to be in place in order to do that."
For decades Mr Coates organised the area poppy appeal before handing over the reins.
"Fortunately the people that have organised that will carry on, but they will need help," said Mr Sumpter.
The legion meets every two months. Members do not need to have links with the Armed Forces.
Anyone who who would like to support the Cockermouth group is invited to a meeting at 7.30pm on May 8 in the Conservative Club.
Everyone is welcome to join a special rededication service at the recently restored cenotaph at 3pm on Sunday. Mayors past and present, councillors and town groups will be present.
Children will release some pigeons, as a symbolic act of peace and freedom.
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