The Ashby de la Zouch branch of the Royal British Legion has announced the new makeup of its Officers and Committee Members.

Newly appointed Branch Chairman Cllr Dan Harrison confirmed that his initial focus will be to support the local officers in their new roles.

Then through the committee, he plans to develop a robust, exciting and achievable action plan which will includ a drive for new members from the veteran family through to the general community.

That includes people who have not served, but hold similar values, such as the RBL motto 'Service Not Self', in respect to all those men and women who have served for King,Queen and Country.

The new makeup, following the branch's AGM in October, is as follows:

Chairman: Cllr Dan Harrison, whose background as a young man was an international judo player as well as running for Parliament in the 1979 General Election against Betty Boothroyd who took the seat. 

Dan's commercial career encompassed running a variety of businesses eventually chairing a public company.

He is the immediate past Chairman of Leicestershire County Council having served on Ashby de la Zouch Town Council and North West Leicestershire District Council. He also chairs the Ashby Sports organisation.

Former Ashby councillor and Mayor, Graham Allman, is also part of the new-look committee

Deputy Chair. Alex Moore, who is serving a second term in the role. Alex has seen a long eventful service in the British Army at home, as well as overseas tours of duty.

Treasurer: Matthew Proctor, who recently joined as a non-serving member, being a highly qualified chartered accountant and bringing his accountancy skills for the benefit of the branch.

Secretary: Ian Franklin, who is in his second term as a branch officer and returns as branch secretary. Ian saw long service in the British Army both at home and on oversees tours of duty.

The committee members are:

Brian Senton: Brian saw long service in the Royal Navy on numerous ships of the British Fleet and holds several RBL offices within higher levels of the Legion.

Peter Edwards: Peter has been a non-serving member for several years and is the Poppy Appeal organiser for Ashby and district area of Leicestershire and Rutland.

Kelvin Young: Kelvin saw a long successful period in the British Army, rising through the ranks to the rank of Major.

Graham Allman: Graham is a long non-serving member and held the office of Mayor of Ashby for three terms while sitting on Ashby de la Zouch Town Council for 20 years along with North West Leicestershire District Council as chairman. Graham's grandfather was awarded the Military Medal and Bar for 'Bravery in the Field' from The Great War, his father flew "Swordfish" off carriers in World War II. Graham's wife's father was a submariner in World War II.

Carole Lenton: Carole is the branch's Standard Bearer and a non-serving long -time member.

Michael Allsop: Michael is the Parade Marshall and saw service in the Royal Corps of Signals.