Lymington Royal British Legion marks 100th anniversary with fundraising celebrations

HUNDREDS of people and a host of Second World War military vehicles gathered in Lymington to mark the 100th anniversary of the town’s Royal British Legion.

Branch treasurer Tracy Robertson said the celebration on Sunday was an “absolutely amazing” event that raised more than £1,100 for the charity.

Among those taking part were historical re-enactors Dan and Tracy Turton, who led a convoy from the Happy Cheese at Ashurst to the town.

Tracy Robertson told the A&T: “We had about 15 vehicles on the High Street, including four from the Isle of Wight, who were there by about 8am.

“God knows what time they would have got up to be there by that time.

“There was a service at 2pm at St Thomas’s Church, with a speech from the town mayor welcoming everyone.

“This was followed by the pipe band marching through the street to the legion – it was absolutely amazing. It’s rare for legion branches like us to make it to 100 years.”

The Lymington town band also performed at the legion’s HQ where food and refreshments were served.

Tracy Robertson estimates that volunteers sold around 300 burgers and hot dogs, describing the town as “definitely packed out”.

She added: “There were a couple of moans and groans that the High Street was shut for the event, but most people were happy about it overall.

“I just want to extend my thanks to everyone who helped organise and run the day, and everyone who came along.

“After the success we had this weekend, we’re hoping to make this an annual event for the town.”

Tracy said the 100th anniversary celebration raised £1,133.73. The legion is planning to run a fete in August at its town HQ.

Dan Turton, a barber from Totton, and his wife Tracy led a convoy of military vehicles from Ashurst to Lymington for the military vehicle display.

Dan drove the couple’s 1942 Dodge weapons carrier to town while Tracy drove their 1942 Willys MB Jeep.

Dan told the A&T: “There were more people there than I was expecting and the whole day went really well.

“We had a lot of kids wanting to sit in our Jeep’s driving seat and we fired up its on-board air raid siren and they loved that.

“A couple of the kids wanted to stay in the vehicle so long that their mum said to us, ‘Can I just leave them with you until the end of the day?’

“I’m so glad Tracy and I were able to take part and give something back.”

Dan and Tracy plan to drive their Willys MB Jeep to France in time for the D-Day 80th anniversary services, making a whistlestop tour of well-known wartime locations from Sainte-Mère-Église to Pegasus Bridge.

“We’re really looking forward to it,” said Dan. “French people in the area are very hospitable, especially when they see the vehicle we’re driving.”