MADAM, On Sunday, November 16th my family and friends attended the Annual Remembrance Service at Wheathill, near Bridgnorth in Shropshire, remembering my Dad and three other lads who lost their lives in WW2.

It was 60 years to the day I laid the first wreath – I was 14. That day is etched in my memory as if it was yesterday – it was very painful for a girl of my age but I was also so very proud. There were hundreds of people with a Military Band and representatives from all three services, the local branches of the Royal British Legion with their Standards and of course all the families.

My dad was one of twelve children and on that day there were ten of them present, together with their families who attended. On Sunday I was so proud to witness my grandson Jason honouring his Great Grandfather by carrying the Ross-on-Wye Branch Standard.

He was accompanied by Mr Gordon Fellows who carried the Hereford North Branch Standard and Mr Graham Aplin the Ross-on-Wye Branch Chairman. The service has always been arranged by the local British Legion but sadly, as it is throughout the country, the small branches are struggling to survive. However the service on Sunday gave me the assurance that at least in this one little corner of this beautiful land my Dad and his friends will continue to be remembered.

This is one reason why the Royal British Legion is dear to my heart and I ask all your readers to continue to support your local branches, however small – we really need to keep as many running as possible this is only one way they give their support to relatives of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Margaret Jones, Greytree