Margaret Jones a stalwart of the Ross and District branch of the Royal British Legion and friend to many people, not just in Ross, died at St Michael’s Hospice on Tuesday evening, January 22nd. ‘She had been suffering from ill health for some time but was quietly determined to see out the anniversary year marking the end of World War I.

In addition to all her regular RBL activities, centering around fundraising and remembrance, she also inspired and worked with huge determination, to see special events in Ross marking the commemoration of both World War I and World War II. From fun days and football matches to high profile processions and services, Margaret was at the core of the organising committees.

Able to work with grieving families, serving members of the armed forces, as well as the highest military officials and civic dignitaries, Margaret inspired respect and admiration for her hard work and determination to ensure that those who gave their lives in service of their country were not forgotten, but remembered with the honour they deserved.

Margaret became Secretary of the RBL in 2011 and after a very difficult year when members thought the Ross Branch of the Royal British Legion might close, they won an award for being one of the strongest branches in the county. At the Royal British Legion Herefordshire County Conference the Ross Branch was awarded the Kyrle Pope Cup, for being the most effective branch within the county on Saturday January 21st, 2012. They have won the Kyrle Pope Cup every year since.

During her time as Secretary of the branch Margaret has not only been instrumental in many Ross events and memorials, she helped with the campaign, headed by the Ross Gazette, for the purchase of a Falklands memorial bench to be placed in the town, and she has also helped organise Poppy concerts and afternoon tea parties for veterans. And in 2015 Margaret was the winner of the Ross Gazette award for the Community volunteer of the Year.

Always modest and keen to share any praise of the RBL activities with her band of volunteers, when presented with her award she said: “This is another one for the Ross-on-Wye Branch of the Royal British Legion and our band of marvellous volunteers who make my life so much easier.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here