A CHESHIRE teenager is heading for the history books as one of the youngest members of the Royal British Legion.
At just 13, Joseph Caswell, who has joined the Bunbury branch of the national charity, is just one month older than Cheshire’s youngest ever member, and only a year older than the youngest member in the entire country.
Tarporley High School pupil Joseph, of Forest Road, recently joined the Cheshire Army Cadets and enjoyed it so much that when he met Leila Potter from the RBL at this year’s Bunbury Village Day, he asked how he could become a member himself.
And after being welcomed with open arms by its long-standing members – all of whom are pensioners – the teenager is now planning to recruit more young people to form an RBL youth group in Bunbury.
“When I met Leila at the Village Day she thought it was a great idea that I wanted to join the RBL,” said Joseph, a former Chester Cathedral chorister.
“I’m just pleased to be part of such an established charity, I can’t wait to start my duties.
“I’m happy to give up my time for something that is well worth doing,” he added. “The country needs young people to give time to something like this and I hope to be a member for years.
“I feel comfortable around older people, I find them interesting and I like hearing about their experiences.”
Joseph’s first tasks will include handing out poppies and participating in the village’s Remembrance Sunday parade next month when he will accompany Mrs Potter through Bunbury to lay the wreath.
And he has received a special welcoming gift – Joseph impressed member Bill Corn, 89, so much he has given him his father’s First World War Cheshire Regiment cap badge, from more than 90 years ago.
“Good luck to him, it’s great someone so young is joining us,” Bill said.
Julie Dove, of Cheshire British Legion, said it was ‘fantastic’ to see Joseph joining.
“The Legion is often seen as an older person’s charity but it’s so much more. We hope this will attract more young people across Cheshire to join.”
