In 1933 some members of the congregation of our parish church, St Mary the Virgin, decided to form a branch of the British Legion. In December of that year,
The Hayes and District Branch was formed under its chairman Maj. J. Douglas-Henry, holding its meetings in the New Inn. In July of 1934, the Branch purchased our present buildings known then as Hillside Cottages, 4, Hillside Lane. The semi-detached bungalows were built in the 1880s for senior employees of a brewery which, at that time, stood in Bourne Vale opposite Station Approach.
What is now the front of the building was, in those days the back. The five hundred pounds required to purchase the property was loaned to the Branch by Five local businessmen. The adjoining building was purchased in the 1980s to provide accommodation for the steward.
The Branch which currently has over 1100 members ranging in age from late teens to mid-nineties raises a considerable sum each year for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, money that continues to be needed, as much today as ever, in aid of ex-service men and women.
The British Legion was granted the title ‘Royal’ in 1971 on the 50th anniversary of its formation on 15th May 1921.
September 2023.