Staffordshire’s Senior Museums Officer, Chris Copp, shares more of Kathleen Dewberry’s collection of pictures – this time in keeping with the month, we carry a selection from the Sandon British Legion
This month, we have a second set of photographs of Sandon from Mrs Kathleen Dewberry’s collection, this time with a strong British Legion theme, appropriately enough as Remembrance Sunday comes round again. The British Legion was founded on 10 June 1921 to provide a voice for the ex-Service community in the aftermath of the First World War.

It is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and for the organisation of Remembrance Services, but it also campaigns for those who have served or are still serving in the British Armed Forces, providing financial, social and emotional support. It received a Royal Charter on its 50th anniversary in 1971 and has since been known as the Royal British Legion. These photographs show some of Sandon British Legion’s fundraising activities and the important role they played in village life.

Wilmot Martin, who appears in a couple of these images, was a Hixon farmer who became well known for his charity activities based around his impersonation of Scottish music-hall star, Sir Harry Lauder. Wilmot Martin saw Lauder perform on Blackpool Pier, bought himself a kilt and Tam o’ Shanter, and set about perfecting his act. Between the wars, his charity concerts raised thousands of pounds for local good causes.




These details and all the images featured will shortly be seen on the Staffordshire Past Track website (www.staffspasttrack.org.uk). If you have any images to lend, or any extra information, please contact the Past Track team: Staffordshire Past Track, Staffordshire Archives & Heritage, Shugborough, Milford, Stafford ST17 0XB. Telephone 01889 881388. email: past.track@staffordshire.gov.uk. You can also keep up to date with what’s new on Past Track by ‘liking’ our facebook page.