NEXT Tuesday's VJ-Day commemoration in the town centre could be a hi-tech first.
Because Ellesmere Port Royal British Legion chairman Ted Roach might use the occasion to debut a digital bugle that blasts out traditional military calls at the touch of a button.
Ted explained: 'I read about the American armed forces using this new bugle and thought it might be good if we had one.
'Actually, the first person over here to get one didn't realise it was set up for the US military and only played Taps, which is their version of Reveille.
'But I ordered one which can easily be converted to the British bugle calls.'
He added: 'With the help of Chester Castle, I sent to the States for one. They are made in Mexico and distributed through a firm in New York.
'It took three weeks to arrive and cost me $500. It plays Last Post, The Exortation and then Reveille all at the touch of a button.
'For the past few weeks I've been trying unsuccessfully to get hold of our regular bugler, Bill Osborne from the Salvation Army, to play at the VJ-Day commemoration at the Civic Square war memorial on August 15.
'If I can't contact him I'll use the digital bugle for the first time then.
'You don't have to be musical. In fact, you could just stick it under your arm and it would still play!' nAn ex-serviceman has regained his independence with the support of the Royal British Legion.
Les Tomkins, of The Boulevard in Little Sutton, has been plagued by constant punctures to the wheels of his scooter which he relies heavily on for mobility.
After asking the Legion for help, its officials donated new solid tyres to enable Mr Tomkins to get out and about again.
Through their Poppy Appeal, the Legion has raised £23,000 so far this year which will go towards helping ex-serviceman and women in Ellesmere Port.
RBL welfare officer Roy Fellows said: 'We are constantly humbled by the sincerity of our supporters in giving so generously.'
