RAISE a toast to the Legion as the Newlyn branch celebrates the charity's 90th anniversary.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) was formed on May 15, 1921, and, to mark the milestone, events are being held across the UK in a Great Poppy Party Weekend from June 10 to 12.
But members in Newlyn have decided to get the party started a little earlier with a bash beginning at 8.30pm tomorrow.
With old-time tunes, an auction and a wartime fancy dress theme, the event will hark back to the war years.
Paul Eddy, chairman of the branch, said everyone was welcome to help them celebrate. "We want people to come and see what we do," he said.
The group planned its party ahead of other events to make sure they can take part in celebrations across the region.
"This way we can go out to somebody else's party instead of everything happening at once," said the former marine, whose son, Roger, is in the RAF.
"With my son serving overseas, I've seen first-hand how useful the legion can be. And that's why we want everyone to come along on Friday and raise a glass to their work over the past 90 years."
At Newlyn Legion, the need to remember fallen soldiers is particularly poignant; a plaque is mounted on the wall to honour Lance Corporal Darren Hicks, who was killed in Afghanistan on February 11 last year.
Having grown up in the port, his family gathered in the club on the anniversary of the 29-year-old's death.
As well as organising the annual poppy appeal, the RBL works to support serving and former servicemen and women and their families.
To order a Poppy Party pack for the special June weekend call 0300 123 9110 or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
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