By Isle of Wight Observer
Sandown hosted this year’s Annual County Conference of the Royal British Legion (RBL), attended by Island Patron, Major-General Sir Martin White, and Lady (Fiona) White.
Several officials from the national charity travelled to the Island to attend the event.
Members and guests were welcomed to Sandown Broadway Centre by the Mayor of Sandown, Cllr Alex Lightfoot, who spoke about commemorative events planned for later in the year.
Projects include an 80th Anniversary of D Day, highlighting links to HMS Sandown which served at Dunkirk and Normandy.
There will be a project around Commonwealth War Graves in the Bay, and initiatives about Monte Cassino and Operation Market Garden.
Sir Martin presented his annual report and updated members on the events and plans for 2024. This was followed by a report indicating a successful year ahead, with local welfare spending, for 2022-2023, standing at more than £17,000, mostly supporting veterans with cost-of-living issues.
RBL’s county president, Ian Ward, said: “Legion Members appreciated the connection that Sandown, as a former garrison town, has to our armed services. The success of the conference was due to the efforts of all of the volunteers involved.
“Remembrance and Armistice Days in Sandown highlight the value the town places on our links with the sacrifices made. The town is proud to have hosted this event.”