SUNDAY last was a historic day in the lovely Cotswold village of Chedworth, being the occasion of the Presentation and Dedication of the new silken Standard given by the Men’s Section to the Women’s Section of the Chedworth branch of the British Legion.

The dreary November weather caused some hurried changes in the organisation of the ceremony by Mr W J Greenwood and branch secretary and his committee.

The Presentation, which was to have taken place near Snugg’s barn, followed by a march, was held inside the parish church.

Undaunted by the weeping skies, men and women Legionaires from neighbouring towns and villages rallied to the support of their comrades at Chedworth for this noteworthy event.

A line of cars and buses proceeding slowly downhill towards the church shortly after 2pm brought contingents from Ampney Crucis, Bibury, Cirencester, Coln, Hatherop and Quenington, Kempsford, Kemble, Lechlade (including Eastleach and Southrop) and South Cerney totalling nearly 300 members. Bright with the glow of lighted candles on the altar and before the flower decked war memorial the church presented an impressive and devotional appearance.

Every available seat was occupied as Lady Apsley and Captain H Green president and chairman of Chedworth Men’s Section with Col Drury took their places.

On a small table near the chancel steps reposed the furled new Standard with the Standard Bearer and her supporters – Mrs E J Bridges (whose husband is still serving in the RAF) Mrs F Playfair (late of the NAAFI) and Mrs O Bartlett, standing rigidly to attention near the war memorial.

Lady Apsley National President and County Chairman briefly addressed the assembled Legionaires. She said “Standards used to form a rallying point, for the hardest fighting of the day usually took place around them. But the Legion emblem is a sacred emblem. Take it piece by piece. First there is a long pole, with a spear shaped head pointing up towards heaven to which our churches in the past have directed people down the ages. Next comes the Union jack embodying the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick under which the chivalrous of bygone days served and fought. Then there is the deep sea blue reminding us of the sacrifices made in keeping the seas and skies clear of the enemy and the pure gold refined in the fire of the battle. The silken fringe keeps everything together representing all the members.

The Standard has a further use, that of memory, a succession of events from which we may derive courage and inspiration when we think of those gone before us, near and dear ones of our own family perhaps, an inspiration to fight better than before.

In handing this Standard to the Women’s Section I call them to a renewal of spiritual grace, comradeship, loyalty and faithfulness for which the Legion stands. Today we need this high standard more than ever before in our country and in the world.”

After the ceremony, the Standards were carried in procession from the church and the procession moved off headed by the band for the march past. The skies had cleared somewhat by that time and the long column marched of briskly with the new Standard proudly borne by Mrs Bridges and her escort.

The salute was taken by Col Drury at a point near the railway bridge at the lower end of Cheap Street. On arriving at the village hall the parade was dismissed and the visiting Legionaires were entertained to a lavish tea provided and served by the Chedworth ladies.

Standard, November 23, 1946