A local charity in Buckinghamshire is ‘back on track’ following a period of financial strain, thanks to an ‘incredible’ outpouring of community support.

Members of the Marlow Royal British Legion Club raised concerns at the end of last year that the organisation was at risk of imminent closure due to “obscene” rising gas and electricity costs.

The club, which has surpassed its founding purpose as a service provider for ex-servicemen to become an award-winning community hub regularly hosting local events, is now 'back on track' according to member Emma Savory, following an 'incredible' outpouring of community support.

Emma, 46, said: “Lifestyles are changing, and finances are challenging for many people – the cost of living and the lack of socialising during 2022 and 2023 had a terrible effect on the club.

“There were a few months when we thought it wouldn’t financially survive but after lots of hard work planning events and some good advertising, we have received incredible support from the community.

“Residents attended as many events as feasible to save the club and the staff and committee have been overwhelmed by the support, but we still need people to continue using the club and its facilities as much as possible.

“We are a member’s club, and we need people to become members! We’re not out of the woods yet but we are definitely back on the right track.”

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Speaking in October, member of the Royal British Legion Club and former Mayor of Marlow Suzanne Brown, 60, told the Free Press that she believed people often failed to appreciate the difference between the local Legion club and the branch - specifically, that one cannot fund the other.

She said: “The branch is the poppy appeal, and the club is the building and community asset. Since the branch can’t fund the club, it has become increasingly difficult for us to keep going.”

Also speaking last year, Emma said she believed there was “nowhere else in Marlow” that compared to the Royal British Legion Club, which is situated on Station Approach, adding: “I remember sitting in the smoking area with a drink and a packet of crisps with my parents when I was younger, and my children have grown up there too.

“It’s an intergenerational thing. The club has so many memories for so many people – of birthday parties, celebrations and wakes. It’s such an important part of the community.”