Bexhill Royal British Legion stalwart Ernie receives honour

Royal British Legion member Ernie Eldridge was presented with the Royal British Legion Centenary Award by Bexhill Mayor Lynn Langlands during a Good Friday ceremony.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ernie, who is in his eighties, joined the Little Common Branch of the Royal British Legion in 1984. He took an active part in the running of the Clubhouse and Branch and whenever anything of a practical nature was required, Ernie would volunteer either to do it or get it done.

This included the Remembrance Parades, Poppy Appeals, and Welfare duties.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Another of Ernie‘s passions was the Bexhill 100 motor club. He ran a tombola stand to swell the Poppy Appeal coffers and fly the flag for the Branch and provided Road marshals during Remembrance Parades to ensure safe closure of the roads.

Tree of Hope ceremony in Bexhill in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo taken by Derek Canty on 2/4/21

Ernie Eldridge being presented with the Royal British Legion Centenary Award by mayor Lynn Langlands. SUS-210504-095312001Tree of Hope ceremony in Bexhill in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo taken by Derek Canty on 2/4/21

Ernie Eldridge being presented with the Royal British Legion Centenary Award by mayor Lynn Langlands. SUS-210504-095312001
Tree of Hope ceremony in Bexhill in memory of all those who lost their lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo taken by Derek Canty on 2/4/21 Ernie Eldridge being presented with the Royal British Legion Centenary Award by mayor Lynn Langlands. SUS-210504-095312001

Ernie also repairs and maintains the Little Common war memorial and continues, often single-handedly, to ensure it remains clean and tidy.

The Mayor said: “His immaculate appearance, infectious cheerfulness and enthusiasm have made Ernie a widely recognised figure in the community.”