NEWTON Abbot’s branch of the Royal British Legion branch was on a recruitment drive last weekend.

The RBL event, held at Stover School on Saturday, was part of a recruiting initiative aimed at enticing more youngsters from Newton Abbot and surrounding area into joining the charity’s youth section.

Standard bearers on parade at Stover School as part of the RBL’s recruitment drive for younger members.
Standard bearers on parade at Stover School as part of the RBL’s recruitment drive for younger members. (Steve Pope / MDA)
Debbie Toovey, community liason for Newton’s RBL, presents cadets from Stover School’s Combined Cadet Force with badges to offically recognise the unit’s affiliation with the Newton Abbot branch.
Debbie Toovey, community liason for Newton’s RBL, presents cadets from StoverSchool’s Combined Cadet Force with badges to offically recognise the unit’s affiliationwith the Newton Abbot branch. (Steve Pope / MDA)

‘Saturday’s event was a first for us and it went brilliantly,’ said Debbie Toovey, community liaison for Newton Abbot’s RBL.

‘People tend to see us as an old man’s club, only open to veterans or people who are serving - but it’s not.

‘We would like young people to help out, for example with community events, if we have an awareness day.’

The day featured featured displays from a junior field-gun team, police dog handlers and drone unit as well as demonstrations from the school’s Combined Cadet Force, who recently became affiliated to the Newton Abbot RBL branch.

Police drone unit display
Police drone unit display (Steve Pope / MDA)
In Pictures: Stover School hosts Royal British Legion for recruitment day
(Steve Pope / MDA)

Bob Goodman, Devon county youth officer for the charity, added that young members are also strategically important for the RBL.

‘The RBL has been going for over 100 years and none of us, unfortunately, is getting any younger,’ he said.

‘We are hoping that this event will encourage youngsters, and other schools, to participate in what the RBL youth are trying to do.

‘They turn out at Remembrance Day and they all look fantastic, but we do need them to work with us throughout the year.’

Anyone interested in joining or wanting more information can contact Debbie Toovey at [email protected].