Somerset Coalfield Life at Radstock Museum have linked up with SSAFA and the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Branch of The Royal British Legion to provide drop-in sessions for veterans, their families and for people who wish to find out more about the welfare role of The Royal British Legion.

The museum tearoom will provide a warm, welcoming venue with complimentary refreshments, staffed by volunteer veterans offering support, information, friendship and a chat over a hot drink. The sessions will also be a point of contact for anyone, whether a former veteran or non-veteran, wishing to volunteer to assist the branch, not just during the Poppy Appeal, but all year round.

Many people only become aware of the Royal British Legion in November, during the annual Poppy Appeal, but the work of the charity continues all year, helping current and past members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. They support serving and ex-serving personnel, every day of the week, which starts after seven days of service and continues through life, long after service is over. Similarly, SSAFA’s role is year-round and accessible to all and their support is prized and recognised as expertise.

The Legion remembers those who lost their lives on active service in all conflicts; from the beginning of the First World War right up to the present day. It also remembers all those who have served and their families.

The Radstock Museum drop-in sessions were officially launched on Monday this week, with local resident, Sue Bendle, representing the Pritchard family as guest of honour; Corporal Gordon Pritchard was the 100th serviceman to have died in serving his country in Iraq, and organisers were delighted that Sue was so willing to become a supporter of the venture.

President of the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Royal British Legion branch, Wing Commander Geoff Wilson, said: “Service personnel may only ever want to share their experiences, fears, traumas and memories with other personnel, on the basis that they feel only another serviceman or woman would understand what they had gone through.

“The drop-in centre acknowledges that there are many people out there who need our help, not only from a supportive position, but also to give assistance, not just to service personnel, but also to their families. We are, therefore, extremely grateful for the facilities, back-up and support from the museum and their dedicated staff in making this drop-in centre possible. We also have the support of the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association, for which we are grateful.”

Sessions will run every second Monday of the month from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and every fourth Friday of the month from 9.30 a.m. – 12 noon and are free of charge. For more details, visit: radstockmuseum.co.uk or email Lisa at: events@radstock museum.co.uk