The organisation which supports members and veterans of the British armed forces again has a branch in Watford - and they will also have access to a new lounge at Watford FC thanks to the efforts of a Hornets legend.

Luther Blissett has been working on bringing a branch of the Royal British Legion back to the town following conversations with veterans and it will make its first official outing for Remembrance on Saturday, November 11.

This day will also see the opening of the new lounge at Vicarage Road named after Forces United, a division of the Former Players Club community charity which was set up by Blissett and other “original Golden Boys” under Graham Taylor.

It has been many years since the legion had a Watford branch – but Watford’s record goalscorer is keen it meets the needs of today’s community.

“Talking to various members of the armed forces and veterans, there was a feeling that times have changed and we needed to create something that enabled people to fit in with family life today.” he said. “Where we could adapt what we were offering to support either veterans of an older generation or young serving personnel.”

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During lockdown Blissett received a lot of feedback from Watford supporters asking for a group which united fans with a military background and so the idea of Forces United was born.

Blissett said: “Forces United is the division which focuses on Graham’s staunch support of our armed forces and veterans. Look at the values he drilled into us as players - discipline, respect, honour, team spirit.”

Since its creation, Forces United has established itself as a vital resource and hub for Watford and surrounding areas. It provides an overarching platform to promote activities and provide information that would be of interest to veterans and those currently serving.

Blissett is “extremely proud to announce” Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Robert Voss has become its patron and said: “The significance of having the King’s representative recognise the value of what we are doing is tremendous.

“In addition, Forces United have two fantastic ambassadors - Sue and Martyn Sawyer, parents of the late Captain Tom Sawyer.”

Forces United also have two armed forces champions within Watford Borough Council, Amanda Grimston (herself a veteran) and councillor Dawn Allen-Williamson whose family members served in the Jamaican armed forces.

Forces United has set up headquarters at Sun Sports Watford, where owner Frank Woolmer has been highly supportive of the Former Players Club and its armed forces project.

This will now also be a social hub for Royal British Legion Watford and a range of community activities will be created there, from men’s wellbeing and mental health talks, to walking football. The location will also be an armed forces centre for local businesses and GPs who wish to appoint armed forces champions.

Watford Observer: The old standard was discovered in the discovered in Crypt at St Mary's Church where it now forms part of a permanent tribute to the fallen of Watford The old standard was discovered in the discovered in Crypt at St Mary's Church where it now forms part of a permanent tribute to the fallen of Watford (Image: Forces United)

As Watford FC’s newly-appointed Club Ambassador, Blissett wanted to ensure that Graham Taylor’s support of the armed forces was recognised by the club and chairman Scott Duxbury gave him the green light to create a new Forces United lounge.

This space will become home to the Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club and will also host a regular event where local businesses and other services will meet to provide advice to veterans meeting there.

“Our Forces United lounge will provide a place at the heart of Watford Football Club where Graham Taylor’s traditional values will be represented,” Blissett said. “The room will pay tribute also to players and supporters who gave their lives for our country, as well as the police, ambulance and fire services.”

In order to open a new branch of the Royal British Legion, the original standard had to be retired. This was thought to be lost forever but was found by veteran Norman McGuigan.

The new standard will be seen for the first time on November 11 when an act of Remembrance takes place in Vicarage Road Cemetery at 10.45am.

This will be followed by a Forces United Remembrance Day, in association with Royal British Legion Watford and Croxley Green Branches, for Watford’s Championship fixture against Rotherham United at Vicarage Road.

Watford chairman Scott Duxbury said: “We’re looking forward to welcoming honoured guests as we join together for our next home matchday – which will be extra special, since it falls on Armistice Day.”

The following day, November 12 at 1.45pm at St Mary’s Church, Royal British Legion Watford and representatives of the armed forces, cadets and scouts will be joined by local charities and organisations to parade to the Town Hall for the Watford Borough Council service of Remembrance.

The chairman of the new branch and standard bearer is former Councillor Bill Stanton, and the start up membership includes Hornets fans and Dean Russell MP.

To Join Royal British Legion Watford, call freephone 0800 307 7773 quoting branch 4046 (Watford)