Royal British Legion Delegates invite Torquay locals to join them as they remember fallen comrades

Published - 15th May

Story courtesy of the Torquay Herald Express

HUNDREDS of Royal British Legion (RBL) members march through Torquay this weekend to remember fallen comrades.

The RBL is holding its annual conference at the Riviera International Conference Centre (RICC) in Torquay and hopes the public and supporters will turn out for the parade on Saturday afternoon.

Delegates for the conference will be in town from Friday to Sunday with more than 500 legion members from around the world expected to attend.

On Saturday afternoon, a memorial parade of delegates will head towards the war memorial in Princess Gardens.

The legion's national chairman, John Crisford, has urged locals to support the event to honour armed forces personnel.

John said: "The parade is a fitting tribute from the legion to remember all those from the area who lost their lives in conflict.

"We are delighted to work alongside Torquay Council to host our conference in this beautiful coastal town and hope to see many locals supporting our parade this Saturday."

The three-day conference at the RICC will showcase the legion's different services to its members.

They range from providing benefits and money advice for families in debt, to helping a young war widow through an inquest.

The conference will also host the legion's annual competition to select the national standard bearer.

John added: "The conference is a fantastic opportunity to give our supporters vital updates on the wonderful work we do helping serving personnel, veterans and their families.

"The members chose Torquay to host the event because we've had very successful conferences here in previous years and the town has always been very welcoming."

Saturday's parade begins at 4pm from the centre. Delegates will march to the war memorial before a salute is taken by the national legion president, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, and Cllr Jane Barnby, chairman of Torbay Council.

Following the march past, they will both lay wreaths at the memorial.