Basildon's old soldiers in march of pride to their new HQ (From Echo)

Basildon's old soldiers in march of pride to their new HQ

7:30am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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Basildon war veterans celebrated after their 35-year search for a British Legion base finally came to an end.

Former servicemen from the Basildon and Laindon British Legion branch have been homeless since their former base, in Laindon High Road, was bulldozed to make way for flats in 1975.

The veterans have now been allowed to move into the Triangle community centre, in High Road, Langdon Hills.

Their official opening ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Basildon MP Angela Smith.

Don Sheppard, 89, of Methersgate, Basildon, a veteran of the Second World War Normandy landings, was one of the delighted ex-servicemen who marched in a celebratory parade to the new base.

He said: “We used to have a lovely hall in Laindon, which was built in 1935, and it served us perfectly well until it was compulsorily purchased in 1975.

“We’ve been homeless ever since, and a lot of people have put in lots of hard work over the years to convince Basildon Council to let us have this new base.

“It is going to be brilliant – not so much for us old soldiers, because we are getting on, but for the heroes who are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq when they come home.”

The new base was also blessed by Rev Esther McCafferty, from St Martin’s Church, in Basildon town centre.

Gina Blackford, 50, Basildon and Laindon British Legion branch secretary, said: “It was a really exciting day for all the local servicemen.

“The hall won’t just be here for the Legion. We are also planning to hire the hall out to a wide range of local community groups.

“It was officially opened by Hans Wusterfeld from the Eastgate Centre, the shopping centre where we used to have to store our Poppy collecting equipment while we didn’t have a base.

“He has been a fantastic patron for us, and put in a lot of time and effort supporting the Legion.”

The Triangle community centre was home to Basildon Islamic Centre, until it was wrecked by arson in September 2006.

The Muslim group did not want to return after it was rebuilt. Anyone interested in hiring the hall can call Mrs Blackford on 01268 457268.