Closure of Royal British Legion Club a 'sad loss'

On this day 80 years of Penarth's history was laid to rest.

This sad loss to all ex-service men and women past and present was confirmed at a gathering of some members at the premises of the Royal British Legion Club, Penarth, at a meeting called for by members to confirm a rumour, and to ask questions relating to the rumour.

An official meeting with the club committee was requested to offer a possible way to avert the closure, and failing that, discuss the aftermath and the consequences following.

The agenda presented to the three persons who represented the committee was not only referred to, but was treated with total contempt by the aforementioned persons.

So instead of an informative productive meeting it was a gathering of members dictated to by a member who took over the chair.

What a sorry state of affairs.

Whilst the situation that the club has found itself in is one that many other clubs have been in, the main cause is the lack of usage by the 400 members, add to this the poor access to the club, the stairs, it made it very difficult for disabled access and, yes, a stair lift was fitted.

How demeaning is that to an ex-serviceman? What of the future?

According to the committee to find out one must attend the AGM.

When asked if a notice in local newspapers would be appropriate the answer was to attend the AGM.

It would appear that a decision was taken to sell the premise. A member present laid out a plan concerning possible development of the building by a developer to the benefit of the club and this was basically dismissed out of hand.

The club has gone but the branch will carry on. The club is closed.

If you are an existing member and you have questions you want answered the branch will be meeting in a room of what was the RAFA on Tuesday's, otherwise wait until November and attend the AGM.

Former C.P.O Ford H.L.

Joined Penarth branch in 1973 after 22 years Royal Navy service