Basildon Council lends a hand to the Royal British Legion

Financial support from Basildon Council has helped the Royal British Legion Basildon and Laindon Branch to add a new kitchen to their meeting hall.

On Saturday afternoon councillors met Alan and Gina Blackford of the Royal British Legion Basildon and Laindon Branch to celebrate the opening and commemorate the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day.

Councillor Kerry Smith, Deputy Leader of Basildon Council, said:

“The men and women who serve and served in our armed forces deserve support all year round, every day of the week and aiding the Royal British Legion is an honour for our borough.

“The Legion is here to help members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families and we’re here to help the Legion—this is our way of saying thank you for what they do for our country.”

The new kitchen came after a full council meeting on 16 January 2020, where the council agreed to mark the 75^th Anniversary of VE Day this year with support for the remaining Royal British Legion Branch in Basildon.

The help came in two forms: renewal of the lease of the hall at the Triangle for the Royal British Legion Branch, and allocating £25,000 for refurbishment of the hall from the member investment budget, held by the Housing and Communities Committee.

The council has also recently been awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award, which recognises and rewards UK employers for their support and commitment towards the defence community.

Photo – Basildon borough council