A WEEKEND of celebration to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Wimborne’s Royal British Legion is to be held this weekend.

Wimborne RBL is one of the first branches set up in Dorset on July 7, 1921, following the establishment of the RBL charity on May 15 the same year.

The club has served and supported local veterans, organised Remembrance ceremonial activities and raised funds for the Poppy Appeal ever since.

Chairman of the Wimborne RBL branch committee, Mike Soper, is hoping the three-day celebrations, to be held from Friday August 20 to Sunday August 22, will encourage new members to the Royal British Legion.

“Many people think that the Royal British Legion membership is only for people in the military or for veterans, but that’s not the case at all – anyone can be a member” he said.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for us to encourage people through the door and celebrate this great achievement."

The celebrations begin on Friday evening with an open evening at Wimborne’s RBL Club.

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Following an introduction to Wimborne RBL, guests can take part in a fun quiz and meat draw. Visitors can also pre-order a delicious, hand cooked fish and chip supper.

Saturday is family day with fun activities for children with a cake stall, cream teas and live music playing in the clubhouse until late on Saturday evening.

A special church service will be held on Sunday at Wimborne Minster followed by Sunday lunch and a cake cutting.

Mike Young, who has led the team in organising this event, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming people to Wimborne RBL over the weekend and showing them what a lovely environment and a warm welcome they’ll receive.”