CHARD’S branch of the Royal British Legion needs a new chairman if it is to survive.

That is the message coming from the Chard branch’s current chairman John Gudge, pictured right, who has been looking to step down for more than a year.

In February, Mr Gudge made a heartfelt plea to try and find volunteers, saying the “branch is in danger of becoming extinct.”

He said: “Many years ago our president proposed me to get in the chair when it was about to become extinct, in 1994. I reluctantly took the chair while they got someone else.”

However, John has found it difficult to fulfil the role since his wife passed away, and is now looking to step down from the chairman position.

“We had our AGM and no one came forward to take the chair, or the roles of secretary or treasurer, which are the three main personnel you need to run the branch.

Following his appeal and an emergency general meeting in March, the roles of secretary and treasurer have been filled, but John is still looking to stand down as chairman.

Mr Gudge added: “There are many ex-service people who are able to but so far not willing to come forward. I would like to appeal to them to get involved.

“Without the legion those other organisations, like Help for Heroes, may find it difficult to operate. We would like us all to stick together.”

The British Legion was formed in May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-Servicemen that had been established after the First World War.

The main purpose of the Legion is to care for those who had suffered as a result of service in the Armed Forces, whether through their own service or through that of a husband, father or son.