Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, has accepted an invitation from the Hinckley Royal British Legion to become branch President following unanimous agreement by members.
Dr Evans, the GP turned MP, was welcomed as President on April 13th as branch members convened at Ashby Road Sports Club in Hinckley.
The Royal British Legion, famously known for their poppy appeals, are the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping to give support wherever and whenever it’s needed to veterans, service personnel and their families.
The Hinckley and District RBL, which recently celebrated its centenary following its formation on January 25th 1923, fundraises for the Legion’s welfare programmes and, per branch Chairman Lloyd Bagshaw, is “generously supported by the benevolent and appreciative members of public and businesses across the region”.
The local branch’s first President in 1923 was Conservative and Unionist Party MP for Bosworth Major Thomas Guy Paget. Dr Luke Evans, Conservative MP for the area since 2019, says “I hope in another 100 years there will be another Member of Parliament proudly accepting the invitation to become President of our excellent local RBL.”
Lloyd Bagshaw, Chairman of the Hinckley Royal British Legion, said “It is fitting that the Branch has serendipitously come full circle and 100 years after its formation, its newest President, like its founding President in 1923, is a sitting local MP.
“I am both delighted and grateful that Luke has accepted his invitation to become President. The Branch is looking forward to working together to increase the awareness of the Branch and the wider support programmes and initiatives available to our Armed Forces and Veterans Community that the Legion can offer.”
Dr Luke Evans, Member of Parliament for Bosworth, said “It was an honour to be made President of the Hinckley Royal British Legion.
“I am grateful for the privilege of being asked to play a small part in the great work that the Legion does locally, from helping to organise and host the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club on a Saturday to the annual 25-mile walk from Hinckley to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire for Veterans United Against Suicide.
“Most importantly I would like to pay tribute to all veterans and current members of the Forces for their service. We owe you a great deal for all you have given and continue to do for our country.”
