Area’s schools figure in Legion legacy decision

Dromore Branch Royal British Legion chairman Mr Brian Hagan along with Stephen Carlisle, Dromore Central Primary, Winnifred Herron, Dromore High, Mary Spratt, Fairhill, and Andrew Armstrong, Dromara PS. Included are local branch members and guests. INBL2513-DRORBL

The local branch made presentations to five schools in all, with a sixth opting to feed the cost of its gift back into the Poppy Appeal.

The presentations were made on Friday in memory of two of the branch’s long-serving members, the late Tommy Hawthorne and the late Tommy Wilson.

To each of the primary schools concerned went a figurine of a Great War soldier, aptly named ‘Tommy’, that being the nickname applied to the British soldier of the time.

To Dromore High School will go a sponsored shield to be awarded at its annual prize night.

Said Dromore RBL’s Mr Colin Ward, “The Primary Schools were those that fell within the Branch’s Poppy Appeal Area; Dromore Central, Dromara, Fair Hill and St Colmans, Dromore. Unfortunately, St Michaels Primary School from Finnis didn’t wish to accept the gift but kindly asked that the money used to pay for it would go towards the Poppy Appeal instead.

“It was also decided that due to the High School being so large the Branch would sponsor a Shield to be awarded in whatever category the school saw fit during its awards night.

“This will be formally presented on the night by the Branch. The reason for these presentations was because the Branch had been kindly donated money in lieu of flowers following the passing of two of its distinguished Members, Comrades Tommy Hawthorne and Tommy Wilson.

“Their families had requested that the money should be used for the good of the Branch. Therefore It was decided that the money should be used to show the Branch’s appreciation to all of the schools who collected for the Poppy Appeal every year within the Poppy Appeal Area covered by Dromore Branch. “

He added, “The Branch again thanks all of the schools plus the good people of Dromore, Dromara, Kinallen and surrounding district for all of their support.”

Anyone who wishes to in any way help during the Poppy Appeal should contact Mr Ward on 077 42949 094 and Mr Sam Newell on 078 1643 4389. The usual Act of Remembrance will be held at 11am at the War Memorial in Dromore Square on Monday 1 July.