Legion hands over its struggling home

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THE FUTURE of Droitwich's Royal British Legion looks to have been secured despite the club giving up ownership of its Salwarpe Road home.

Committee members handed the keys to the building to Gerald Harvey from Cannon Royall Brewery on Monday (September 3) following the mass resignation of the club's committee and members the previous day.

Their decision was made following a crisis meeting which saw members vote to give up the burden of running the venue as well as the Legion's activities.

The cash-strapped club has been under threat since it emerged last month it was struggling to pay large utility bills due to a lack of regular use by members.

Committee members had hoped more people would be interested in using the club’s spacious concert room for parties during the summer months to help raise vital funds.

But now a decision has been taken to lease the building to Cannon Royal Brewery, a ten barrel microbrewery specialising in brewing high quality, full flavoured cask ales, who intend to reopen the venue as a pub.

But despite the change of hands, residents have been assured the town's British Legion branch will continue to operate and organise the local Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day activities.

All bookings will be honoured as part of the arrangement and former club Chairman Alan Evans said: "I would like to thank the club committee, members and staff for all their support in trying to keep the club operating.

"I would urge Droitwich residents to continue to help the British Legion branch and the new venture in Salwarpe Road."

The club has thrown open its doors to a number of community-based ventures such as the monthly Give Blood sessions and a selection of local groups including the town’s popular Youth Zone.

A Wychavon District Council spokesman said: "Wychavon officers have already spoken briefly with Gerald Harvey and are looking to have further discussions to determine the future of the Youth Zone at the Legion."

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