ROYAL British Legion stalwart David Bawler of Hemyock attended the RBL Centenary Service at Westminster Abbey after being nominated for an RBL award for his outstanding volunteer contribution to the charity.

Tim Courtenay, a retired Royal Marine Colonel, for ten years the County Field Officer for the RBL in Devon, nominated him for the award.

HM the Queen and HRH the Princess Royal, along with the Lord Mayor of Westminster, attended the service, conducted by the Dean of Westminster, and David and his wife Janice sat five rows behind the Royal party allowing them excellent views which included the abbey choir and the Royal British Legion standard as it was carried to the High Altar.

The State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry and the fanfare team from the Band of the Grenadier Guards, along with the Central Band of the RBL and the abbey organ, provided the music while Lt Gen James Bashall CB CBE, national president of the Royal British Legion, gave the Act of Rededication.

David said: “The invitation was totally unexpected. It was an honour and a humbling experience to be among past and present serving personnel at such a moving event. I would not have received this award if it had not been for the support of local volunteer collectors, businesses and all who donate to the Poppy Appeal year upon year, and my thanks goes to them.”