The local branch celebrated the centenary of the Royal British Legion recently. As part of the celebrations for the centenary of the Royal British Legion, the Branch carried out a ceremony which remained within the current Government COVID-19 guidelines.

As the current geographical area covers three towns and many villages, it was deemed that this could only be successfully achieved at one location. It was therefore decided to perform the ceremony in Midsomer Norton at the War Memorial.

Due to the current Covid-19 regulations, it would not have been possible or appropriate to have held a large ceremony with lots of people. Therefore, the ceremony consisted of 100 wooden crosses with each year marked on it laid at the War Memorial, alongside a wreath to remember all of the lives lost from the

district in service.

Ninety-six wooden crosses were pre-planted in four containers prior to the day. Following a short service and a prayer, the four final crosses were planted by members of the Branch. The first three were to represent the main towns of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and newly joined Paulton. The final cross to be planted represented all of the other villages in the district.

The Revd James Balliston-Thicke, the Branch Padre, officiated at the ceremony. The Standard was carried by the Branch Standard Bearer, Max Feeney. Branch members in attendance and who laid crosses and the wreath were: Darron Hebberd: Midsomer Norton Cross 2018, Graham Jagger: Radstock Cross 2019, Gary Chandler: Paulton Cross 2020, Kirk Williams: District Cross 2021 and Chris Copeland laid the wreath.