Appeals to show troops you care

People across the Norton Radstock area are being asked to support military service personnel past and present – as three different campaigns are launched to encourage local people to show they care.

Firstly, several Royal British Legion branches across the area have faced the threat of closure in recent months and now the Stratton-on-the-Fosse branch has launched an urgent appeal for members to serve on its committee.

Secondly, the father of a soldier from Midsomer Norton who recently returned from serving in Afghanistan is organising a night of musical entertainment for Help for Heroes , and finally Radstock Working Men's Club is also organising a fundraising concert.

While the two fundraisers promise to be a real morale boost for current forces, the battle by the Royal British Legion branch in Stratton-on-the-Fosse is to make sure there is a team there to honour soldiers of the past and present.

The branch is making a desperate plea for people to come forward to help keep it alive. It needs a secretary, treasurer and Poppy collection organiser. No formal experience or military background is required, as training will be given.

Chairman Arthur Moon, 80, who has been a member of the branch since 1950, said: "I sincerely hope people will come forward and volunteer to take on these positions by giving a few hours of their time.

"It is a misconception that the Royal British Legion is only here to help soldiers from World War II. We help injured soldiers and their families from all conflicts."

Mr Moon said: "Hearing about our troops serving in Afghanistan brings it home that it is happening now, especially for young people. I just hope the same people who have been touched by the sad losses and injuries of service personnel will show their support by joining us."

A meeting will be held on Wednesday at Stratton-on-the-Fosse Royal British Legion Club, on South Street, at 8pm.

Meanwhile Geoff Fuller, whose son Ben, 26, returned this week after serving with 21 Signal Regiment in Afghanistan, is organising a night of musical entertainment for Help for Heroes at the Conygre Hall, Timsbury, on Friday, March 19.

Local bands Venezuelan Pig Rustlers and Johny's Day Out are performing free so all the money from the £7 entry fee can go where it is needed most.

Mr Fuller said: "What I want to do is show the soldiers who live round here who are serving in Afghanistan that people care and are willing to help.

"My son told me when he first came back from serving in Iraq a few years ago he got a lot of very negative comments but I want him to see that other people do care and support what they are doing. I have been collecting prizes from the raffle and was very touched when someone asked if they could give me £200 towards the night. I would also like to thank the Midsomer Norton Army Cadets who will be selling raffle tickets for the cause."

Tickets for the concert can be bought from The Railway Inn, Radstock, or by calling Geoff on 01761 439198.

Radstock Working Men's Club is also supporting serving troops with a charity concert by Somerset vocalist Tim Pitman on Saturday, March 20, in aid of Afghan Heroes. Tickets cost £3.

Tim is also planning to release a single called Field of Green in aid of the charity, which he will be performing in front of 17,000 bikers from across the country on Mother's Day when they take part in a mass ride through Wootton Bassett.