A new branch standard of the Royal British Legion has been dedicated at a Basingstoke church.
The Basingstoke, Overton and District Branch of the Royal British Legion held the dedication at All Saints Church on Sunday, October 11.
Guests included Deputy Lieutenant Major General Alastair Bruce of Crionaich and councillor Paul Miller, representing the mayor.
John Davies, Hampshire County vice-chair and training officer, said: “The British Legion aims to help society to recognise, to remember and to support the armed forces.”
Rather than holding a standalone Royal British Legion service, the dedication formed part of the church’s existing Eucharist service.
Mr Davies said there has been a “slow disconnect” over the years and that bringing the dedication into an existing church service was about the Royal British Legion and the wider community “connecting and working together.”
He added: “There are over 6,500 veterans in Basingstoke, we need to be able to reach them.
“That’s part of that reach, to remind veterans that if they need support, that is what the Royal British Legion is for.”
Standards from other Royal British Legion branches were also paraded in support, alongside the standard of the Basingstoke and Deane Sea Cadets, which is affiliated with the branch.
Reverend Jane Leese, who conducted the service, said: “We were very pleased to welcome the Royal British Legion and very privileged to be able to dedicate the new standard today, with the deputy lieutenant with us.
“It’s good to see so many people in church today.”
Standard bearer Laura Wares, who first got involved with the Basingstoke branch of the Royal British Legion last November, said it was a “big honour.”
She said: “It was quite nerve-wracking, but I think it went really well.”
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