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The Caldicot & District Branch of the Royal British Legion meets on the second Monday of the month at 7.30 pm Severn View Social Club. WHO WE ARE The Royal British Legion was formed in 1921 and is the nation's premier ex-service charity, dedicated to caring for men and women who have served in the armed forces - and their dependants. Its objects include promoting the welfare of ex-service men or women and their dependants and relieving hardship among them where it exists; raising and distributing money for these purposes; assisting serving men and women in their return to civilian life; and promoting the interests of their dependants while they themselves are still serving. Under its Royal Charter, the Legion's help is available to all the categories above, regardless of whether they are its members. This represents some 15 million people, or one third of the population. Although it is now over 50 years since the last world war, demand for the Legion's services is still increasing and is set to continue rising for at least the next 10 to15 years. In 1996/7 the Legion spent £28.8m providing welfare services and relieving distress. This money was raised from donations. The Poppy Appeal itself raises around 50% of the Legion's funds, and the rest comes from other fundraising events, bequests etc. For the annual Poppy Appeal, the Legion's poppy factory produces over 30 million poppies, about 90,000 wreaths and 400,000 remembrance crosses. WHAT WE DO In any one year the Legion may answer up to 300,000 calls for help. Amongst the work we do is: Caring Our seven homes look after up to 460 people at any one time. As many as 4,400 patients rest and recover in our three convalescent units. Guiding Over 60,000 men and women obtain free advice and help in recovering an estimated £15m pension entitlement which they otherwise might not have claimed. Supporting Legion funds ensure that 23,000 much-needed visits are made to those who are either housebound or in hospital. Helping 325 severely handicapped people are given the chance to enjoy a well-deserved holiday. 900 people, mainly war widows, receive help so they are able to afford to visit a relative's grave. Giving Over £2m in individual grants go to those in need. Employing Around 3,000 people mainly ex-servicemen and women are employed by the Legion and its related companies. A quarter of them are registered disabled. Advising Our small business loan and advice service lends around £310,000 each year to ex-servicemen and women to start their own businesses. Further information can be obtained from Mr. Archie Jones (01291 420248), who is the President of the Caldicot Branch of the Royal British Legion
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