Legion’s ladies at the double for anniversary celebrations

Cromer Mayor Tim Adams joina 94-year-old Olive Gibson and Eileen Bond and Joyce Blythe, both aged 88, to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the town’s Royal British Legion’s Women’s section. (Image: Archant)

Mayor Tim Adams made the announcement at a tea party to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the town's Royal British Legion's Women's section.

The monument, built in 1921 and topped by a statue of St George, has become eroded and weather-beaten and requires refurbishment.

Mr Adams told guests at Cromer's Cliftonville Hotel: 'One of the most important things that we're doing as a town council at the moment is fundraising for the restoration of the war memorial. Thanks to your efforts I'm very pleased to tell you we're on the cusp of the £20,000 (target) which is really fantastic. And that has all been through individual donations, and community fundraising.'

He added: 'We're hoping to get the money we need for the rest of the restoration from grant funding and we'll know about that in the next few months.'

Around two dozen members from across north Norfolk attended the Women's Section's birthday bash on Friday. And three of its oldest members - 94-year-old Olive Gibson and Eileen Bond and Joyce Blythe, both aged 88 - marked the occasion by cutting a special cake.

The unit was formed on January 22, 1926 at a meeting held in the Parish Hall, Cromer. And it continues to meet at The Cottage, Louden Road, Cromer, on the first Thursday of every month.

President Bridget Mayes, who has been involved with the group for 46 years, said: 'It's been a nice get together, 90 years is a big year. We've had members from other branches, including Aylsham and Reepham; they've disbanded the groups now but we still keep in touch.

'We used to do lots for the residents of Halsey House (one of The Royal British Legion's Care Homes), and we had great fun. We used to put on shows and dances but there wasn't the television then.'