OLD Badge Awards and citations were presented by Sir Thomas Dunne, HML to Major Philip Verdin OBE,MC,DL, (joint county patron, Herefordshire County) and Cecil Jones, (Chairman of Peterchurch branch) at a ceremony to mark over 50 years of service to the Royal British Legion and the ex-service community in Herefordshire. The presentation ceremony was attended by the County President, Major James Hereford, the County Chairman, Don Rule MBE, Cal Edwards, Chairman, Weobley branch and a large gathering of wellwishers including many members of the Weobley and Peterchurch branches. Sir Thomas paid tribute to the work of both Philip Verdin and Cecil Jones and said ''their work on behalf of the Legion over more than half a century was a shining example to us all''. ''Their contribution in helping alliviate need in the ex-service community was greatly appreciated by everyone in the Legion and the presentation of the Gold Badge was fitting recognition for their unstinting contribution'', he said.

The Herefordshire County of the RBL held their annual Standard Bearers Competition in Leominster recently.'' The competiton was keenly fought and to a very high standard of performance by all those taking part" said Don Humphreys', the Senior Judge from Gloucester. The overall winner of the competiton was Vivian Evans who is the Women's Section County Standard Bearer. In close second was Ian Hedges who is re-appointed as County Standard Bearer for the ensuing year. The Deputy County Standard Bearer is Ian Stephens and the Novice Cup was won by Mr Fisher of Leomster branch who entered the competition for the first time this year. The awards were presented by the County Chairman, Don Rule MBE. A gathering of more than 20 spectators were there to cheer on the competitors. The County Secretary said, '' This has been another successful competition and thoroughly enjoyed by all'' adding that ''it was encouraging to see new blood entering the competition and it was hoped that youth members from the Cadet Forces could be encouraged to take part in future years''.