MP Shahid appointed patron of British Legion
18 August 2007
Dewsbury MP Shahid Malik has described as "a true privilege" his appointment as the new Patron of The Dewsbury Branch of the Royal British Legion.
The MP was introduced to members at the group's last meeting and was delighted with the appointment: "I am extremely proud to have been asked to be patron and will endeavour to do everything I can to help and support the local branch of the charity."
The newly appointed International Development Minister follows Lord Savile as the patron and has said that he was especially looking forward to helping out with the Poppy appeal later in the year: "We each have a duty to remind younger generations of the greatest sacrifice of our time when millions fought for our liberty, with far too many paying the ultimate price for their country. As patron I will continue to ensure that people of all ages play their role in our remembrance services when we pay homage to our bravest."
British Legion branch secretary Karen Rourke said that she was confident their new patron would do a marvellous job: "The whole branch is very proud to have Shahid as our patron and we're all looking forward to working with him. He'll do a marvellous job for us because he's so committed."
The branch organise the Dewsbury Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Services in November. The Poppy Appeal last year saw Dewsbury raise £7, 900 and this contributed to the national total of more than £26m. In addition the branch helps with welfare work and convalescence breaks.
British Legion meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7.30pm at Northorpe WMC, Eastfield Road, Mirfield. Members old and new are invited to come along to any meeting.