A ROYAL British Legion (RBL) branch has had to close after it went into administration and failed to find enough volunteers to keep it going.

In 2019, the Winton and Moordown branch of the RBL was taken into county administration, and at an annual general meeting in October of that year, was fortunate to be able to recruit just enough committee members to save the branch.

However, those committee members are said to have either now left the county or moved onto other ventures, and without a viable committee the decision has been taken to close the branch.

The remaining branch members will be transferred to Ferndown Royal British Legion or a branch of their choosing, and will be contacted in due course.

The club is wholly owned by its members and is still operating, the club members say they are continuing to do well and have bookings up until 2023.

Ian Jarvis, Dorset County Chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “Dorset County Committee has not taken this decision lightly, but without a viable committee the branch is untenable.

"I would like to stress at this time that the club is still a Royal British Legion Club and is not closing."

At a meeting held on September 16, the Winton & Moordown Club in Bournemouth was informed of this decision and of its options and will now make a decision as to how to proceed the running of the property on Wimborne Road.

Mr Jarvis added: "The Royal British Legion’s network of branches in Dorset play a vital role across the county providing comradeship and welfare support for the Armed Forces community in the county. Through our Branch Community Support Scheme, trained volunteers regularly reach out to veterans and their families across the region who are facing loneliness and isolation. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many members have been receiving regular phone calls providing companionship and helping to keep them build connections with their local community.

“The branches in Dorset are key focal points for social and remembrance activity as the county pays tribute to those who have served and sacrificed on our behalf. In addition, local branches raise vital money to ensure that the Royal British Legion can continue its work providing life-long support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

"We are grateful for the support of everyone who is associated with their local RBL branch and would encourage anyone who is thinking of getting involved to find out more at www.rbl.org.uk/branches”

The charity was formed in the aftermath of the First World War to fight for the rights of those who had given so much and come back to so little. Today, the RBL continues to provide life-changing help and support to the Armed Forces community and challenge injustices on their behalf.

We at the Dorset Echo are appealing to our readers to donate to the RBL by visiting dorsetecho.co.uk/RBL or sending a cheque payable to Dorset Echo in an envelope clearly marked ‘RBL donation’ and mailing it to Dorset Echo, Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD.