Ashby Royal British Legion Chairman Dan Harrison has announced that a Branch President has now been appointed - with Kelvin John Young assuming this prestigious position.

Leicestershire County Councillor Dan, and his executive team committee, believes Kelvin to be one of the most experienced and well balanced members of the Ashby Branch, having seen a total of 40 years of military service rising through the ranks as a private soldier up to, upon leaving the army in 1991 , the rank of Major.

During Kelvin's regular service, he saw service not only in the UK but Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada, Cyprus and the Falkland Islands with several Regiments gaining unrivalled experience within many diverse disciplines and fields.

In Kelvin's early life he initially found employment as a farm labourer then within the Civil Service.

Cllr Dan Harrison

Upon leaving the Armed Forces, he gave his vast experience of life to work within the field of charities and good causes.

Following this, Kelvin joined a family dairy business based in Leicester, staying with them for 25 years until retirement in 2018 , this alongside serving in the Reserve Army up to 2012.

Kelvin will see his 50th year of marriage to Carol this year and has three sons along, with three grandchildren. He is also a keen supporter of Leicester City, and enjoys reading and being an active member of the RBL.

Branch media officer, and former Mayor and town councillor of Ashby, Graham Allman said he is most delighted to announce that the results of the Poppy Appeal 2023 have been declared by Appeal Organiser Peter Edwards to be in excess of £35,000.

Former Ashby Mayor, Graham Allman

Cllr Harrison confirmed that it is Peter's first term in this office and, at meeting earlier this year, he congratulated him on his sterling performance which was echoed by all in attendance, adding that as a post-covid "bounce back" endeavour the result was outstanding. He went onto say that the branch has several exciting new ideas to build upon the 2023 result moving into 2024.

As a last word, President Kelvin confirmed that the Ashby Branch is actively encouraging new members who do not necessarily have a military background, pointing out that neither Dan, Graham or Peter have never seen military service.