Last Royal British Legion club in Sheffield appeals for help as coronavirus crisis hits custom

The Chapeltown club on Ecclesfield Road has been going since 1929 and currently has about 1,000 members, but far fewer of them are attending because of worries over the pandemic.

Club secretary Dave Rousell said that in a normal week they would see around 500 customers, but are currently having to survive on just 100, as elderly members shield and self-isolate at home.

But he said that contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have served in the Armed Forces to become a member of the Royal British Legion, and that even non-members can be signed in on a temporary basis.

He said: “The problem is that about 50 per cent of our members are over 65 and quite a few have health problems so understandably they are nervous about going out during coronavirus.

“When we reopened after lockdown we were trying to build people’s confidence back up again but every time they change the rules or put a new set of restrictions on it brings it down again.

“We do have reasonable reserves but it is undoubtedly a very difficult time at the moment.”

Dave, aged 76, served in the Royal Marines for 10 years between 1965 and 1975, ending his service as an instructor for the elite force’s motorcycle display team.

He then worked for the South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for 23 years before becoming the Chapeltown Legion’s club secretary after he retired.

The oldest member of the Legion - 95-year-old Gladys Fisher - served as a ‘Wren’ in the Second World War and still attends the club on a regular basis despite the pandemic.

“We are completely Covid-19 secure with social distancing, screens at the bar, masks and table service,” added Dave.

“Anyone in Sheffield who has an interest in the Royal British Legion or who wants to support the Armed Forces can pop in for a drink any time.”

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