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Legion to the fore over Remembrance weekend
THE CHAIRMAN of the Arbroath branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, Paddy Quinlan, recently attended the funeral service of a former Royal Marine, Corporal James Parson, at Parkgrove, with the service conducted by the branch chaplain, Rev. Dr John Cuthbert.
Corporal Parson served in the corps from 1947 to 1970 and during his distinguished career saw active service in Cyprus, Suez, Aden, Brunei, Borneo and the Malay Peninsular Campaign.
James Parson sadly died at his home in Kirriemuir, alone and with no known next of kin.
He was destined to have a pauper’s funeral but thankfully his neighbour contacted the Legion who in turn contacted the Royal Marines Association, who ensured that he was given an appropriate send off with the Standards, Union Flag over the coffin and the Last Post.
Remembrance Week is always a busy time for the club and this year was no exception.
The Veterans Night was a superb evening but not as well attended as usual.
This year Remembrance Sunday fell on the November 11 so the service was held at the cenotaph at 10.30 a.m, which is always a more poignant venue, if the elements are favourable.
Mr Cuthbert pulled out all the stops because the weather was so beautiful and it was an excellent service.
This year there appeared to be a bigger attendance, albeit the number of those marching may have been down, which was largely due to a number of the committee working behind the scenes or Legionnaires marching with their associations.
It was good to see the number of young pipers and drummers in the band, which bodes well for the future.
At this time of the year the Legion run a Poppy Poster and Christmas Card competition for all the primary schools in Arbroath.
Once again the standard of the entries has been brilliant and the presentation for the Ian and Winnie Archer Trophy will be made in the Main Hall at 7.30 p.m on December 11.
Finally, the lead up to Christmas will be busy in the Legion with numerous functions in the various venues.
The ever popular OAP Christmas dinner and dance on Wednesday, December 5 and 12, at 7 p.m., so everyone attending should make sure that you have booked your seat because it is a fantastic evening.
The annual general meeting for the branch will be held on Thursday, December 20, at 7.30 p.m.
This is an opportunity for members to have their say or to support the club so make a note in the diary and try to attend.
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Weather for Arbroath
Tuesday 21 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 7 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: North west
