THE Royal British Legion’s Stratton St Margaret branch helped celebrate the charity’s 100th birthday at the town’s rugby club on Greenbridge Road earlier this month.
Second World War veteran Derek Bonner had just turned 95 and was delighted to receive a surprise visit from Chelsea Pensioners Kenroy McDonald and Trevor Rafferty at the event.
The centenary celebration was held on the Swindon Rugby Club's first home game of the season and the Chelsea Pensioners were special guests for a membership lunch.
The evening event was opened by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Shirley Ludford and raised money for the Royal British Legion.
This was sponsored by Don Bryden from KCJ Training and Employment Solutions, Gary Hall of G. V. Hall Heating and Plumbing, and Michelle Hobbs of Swindon's Tesco Extra.
Hundreds of pounds came in throughout the day from generous guests during the event with donations totalling £600 as well as £318 raised from the raffle plus money from bar sales which is still being totted up.
One kind company who wished to remain anonymous will match the total raised, doubling it to more than £2,000.
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