Margate’s Royal British Legion Branch Reopens After Six-Year Hiatus

A branch of the Royal British Legion has officially reopened in Margate after remaining inactive for six years. The previous committee disbanded in 2019 due to challenges in maintaining operations, but a new committee has revitalized the branch, marking a significant step in reconnecting local veterans with the community and the wider national organization.

The reopening took place earlier this month, following extensive efforts by a dedicated group of volunteers. According to Martin Neame, the newly appointed chairman and a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserves, the earlier branch had dwindled significantly by 2019. He noted that aging members struggled to recruit new volunteers, leading to a gap in local veteran representation.

By 2023, it became evident that the lack of an active branch was hindering collaboration with local authorities, particularly the Thanet District Council. The council relies on veterans for significant civic events and remembrance ceremonies. Mr. Neame remarked, “The lack of a formal branch of the RBL exacerbated this issue, and I decided to start the process of reopening the branch.”

Gathering a team of “like-minded individuals,” Neame and his committee began assisting the council with remembrance events. Their goal was to re-establish a fully functioning branch, which required navigating the Royal British Legion’s national procedures. “The Royal British Legion works in a very specific way and as a national organization has very well-established rules and procedures,” he explained. “Starting from scratch, we had to learn these as we went along – this was certainly our biggest challenge.”

Finding a permanent location for meetings posed another hurdle. After considering various venues, the committee chose the Thanet Society of Druids (TSD) Social Club on Percy Road. Mr. Neame expressed gratitude for the club’s warm reception, stating, “They could not have been more welcoming and enthusiastic towards us. The TSD Social Club has a very nice bar and social room, complete with a dance floor, disco setup, and a projection system.”

Since its reformation, the new committee, comprising members with backgrounds in the military, civic service, charity, and organizational management, has successfully organized two remembrance parades in addition to events for VE Day and VJ Day. Kev Martin, the vice chairman and events director, has played a crucial role in enhancing the quality of these gatherings.

“Anyone who has attended any of these events will know that they are improving, and we intend for them to improve further so that we produce the very best events for the town,” Mr. Neame stated. He emphasized the branch’s focus on veteran welfare, social cohesion, and charitable works, noting that membership continues to grow.

The committee is also planning several social events in the coming months. One highlight includes a prizegiving event hosted by the Mayor of Margate on December 6, 2023, at the TSD Social Club. Membership is open to everyone, without the requirement of prior military service. Interested individuals can call 0800 307 7773 or visit http://linktr.ee/margaterbl for more information.

The resurgence of the Margate branch of the Royal British Legion not only reinforces the local veterans’ community but also strengthens ties to broader civic engagement, ensuring that the contributions of veterans remain honored and recognized in the community.