ELLESMERE’S branch of the Royal British Legion is under threat after suffering a fall in membership.
Branches in Ellesmere and Shrewsbury have both seen membership numbers drop and one could face the axe unless figures pick up.
And the Ellesmere branch says it is trying to recruit more volunteers to stop the slide and keep the RBL alive in the town.
Ellesmere RBL vice-chairman Bill Jones said: “Like many branches in the country we are not getting new members.
“The RBL is a tradition we would like to see retained in Ellesmere and there is a strong feeling for it in the town.
“There is always an excellent turn out from the community for Remembrance parades and we would like to retain our independence in Ellesmere rather than go into a merger with another town,” he added.
The Ellesmere branch of the RBL currently has 49 members, but is looking to recruit new ones of all ages to help boost its numbers.
The RBL is open to people with no experience in the services as well as those serving in the past and present.
“There are lots of things people can turn their hand to such as helping with the Poppy Appeal and Help for Heroes,” Mr Jones added.
Mr Jones invited anyone with an interest to attend one of the branch’s meetings at the Ellesmere Comrades Club, held on the first Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm.
Oswestry’s branch of the RBL is doing somewhat better at present with 90 members currently on its books.
President of the branch, Edward Larkins, said there are always concerns about recruiting but that the branch does not have any undue worries about its future.
“We are always wanting to see new members coming on board,” he said.
“But our membership numbers have remained roughly the same in recent years.
“I would however like to see more of our current members attending our meetings which take place at The Oswestrian on Festival Square, Oswestry.
“The next few months will be a busy time with the Poppy Appeal and help is always appreciated,” he added.
The Oswestry branch also meets on the first Tuesday of the month from 7.30pm.