A NEWLY settled Helensburgh resident plans to revive the local branch of a veterans’ charity during its centenary year.

Geoff Coles moved to the town in March from Cornwall, where he served for 17 years as the chair of the St Cleer branch of the Royal British Legion, which provides support to ex service personnel and their families.

Helensburgh’s Legion branch folded in 2018 and its colours were ‘laid up’ the following July after Irene White, who set up the Burgh group with her husband more than 20 years ago, said falling membership and a reluctance among others to take on the role of branch chair lay behind the move.

Now, in the 100th year of what is currently called Legion Scotland, Mr Coles is hoping to gather enough backing to turn the organisation’s fortunes around in his new hometown.

He told the Advertiser: “After I moved to Helensburgh I searched the Legion Scotland site for my local branch.

“G84 returns Bridge of Weir as the nearest with Largs as the fall-back.

READ MORE: Helensburgh branch of Legion Scotland lowers 'colours' for final time

“There is a branch in Glasgow, but still over 20 miles away.

“I don’t think a branch 20 miles away is at all attractive, and totally unsuited to supporting Legion objectives in this community, so could I start a branch?

“Surely it can’t be difficult in an area with so many service and ex service families. Plus there used to be a branch here, so all it needs is a bit of a kick (once Covid rules allow) and a few volunteers.”

Mr Coles, who has a son in the Royal Navy and another son and daughter-in-law in the Army, is encouraging local veterans to register their interest in helping to restart the Burgh Legion branch.

He said: “There are a few hoops to jump through as a new branch - we need five or six to join the committee and at least 15 members to get the branch off the ground.

“I want the Legion to be there for them [Mr Coles’ family] when they get to my age.”

An initial meeting at The Commodore Inn will be held on Monday, September 6 at 7pm for volunteers wishing to take an active role in or join the committee.

Prospective members seeking more information are asked to email their name, contact details and service background, if any.

Membership is open to serving/ ex serving/ service family members and anyone else that supports the aims of the Legion. Email helensleg@btinternet.com or call Geoff on 01436 677624.