I WAS a member of the Royal British Legion Club at Lydney.

Being old enough to remember the 1950s and 60s when stalwarts like Melville Watts, Ron Day, Arthur Vaughan and numerous others were involved, the club was part of the community.

I, with friends, have used the club for some years to meet and insult one another - thank-you the late Dai Richards! - over a pint or two, several times a week.

There is also another part of the club called the Branch, members of whom are only seen at meetings and on Remembrance Day.

Originally the club was where the Branch did its business and members enjoyed themselves. However, to my eyes at least, there appears to have been a separation at some point.

On joining one had to take an oath before the branch committee unless, of course, you were ex-service before you could join your friends for darts, crib, skittles or billiards – or just for an argument! And that was probably the last you saw of "the Branch" until the Remembrance Day parade.

I am well aware of the immense good the Legion does on the charity side, but I don't think it was formed for that alone.

It has been taken over by a local businessman and no doubt will go the way of other watering holes I remember in the town of my youth along with the Institute and the "Bomb and Dagger" in Regent Street.

As an aside, I can remember in the late 50s or early 60s waiting all night for the Beatles to appear at the Town Hall. Did they eventually come another night?

– Tony Butcher, Lakeside Avenue, Lydney.