We were welcomed by Mrs Anne Squires.

After the reading of the minutes of the last meeting, Mrs Squires ran though our activities during March.

Our birthday lunch at Rushen Abbey went very well, as did our visit, on a surprisingly warm and sunny day, to the dome at the Nunnery.

There, we learned a good deal about planets and light years which should stand any budding astronauts in our ranks in good stead.

We also learned about swimming with sharks and about sky-diving. We found it a very enjoyable outing and were much impressed by the beautiful grounds there.

Mrs Squires then introduced our speaker, Mrs Ann Cottier, whom with her husband Jim, was to tell us about the work of the Royal British Legion.

Both Ann and Jim had been in the army and wanted to help and support soldiers when they had to leave the forces.

The Manx Legion was set up on July 19, 1917, by John Taubman in order to give support to the families of servicemen

The three pillars of the Legion are welfare, benevolence and remembrance and the Military Covenant pledges to honour and support returning servicemen.

In the Isle of Man this is enshrined in law and seven days’ service is enough to qualify for help.

Mrs Cottier went on to describe the amazing amount support available but the servicemen must approach the Legion as, due to data protection laws, the Legion cannot approach them.

Among the Manx agencies are post traumatic stress disorder support, Admiral Nurses to support families, memorial gardens and woods, sculptures and many other ventures.

Tesco has donated to these on the island and the Joey Dunlop Foundation has rooms for servicemen to stay for a break.

Mrs. Cottier and her husband have also visited the Menin Gate at Ypres and on one occasion the Isle of Man WI choir sang Ellan Vannin at the gate.

The bulk of the Legion’s income comes from the annual Poppy Day Appeal which raises £50,000,000.

This was a most illuminating talk as, although most of us are aware of the Royal British Legion, we are not aware of the sheer scope of their work and how necessary it is.

Our next meeting will be held at Arbory Methodist Chapel on May 9 at 7.15pm.

Sheena Gilbert