Recruiting drive saves centuries-old Local Newport Volunteers
The future of a civic guard which dates back to the Napoleonic Wars – one of only two left remaining in the UK – now looks bright after three new recruits applied to join.
Officials at Loyal Newport Volunteers have claimed their group could now be saved after the trio expressed an interest. If they sign up it would increase the number of members to take part in civic functions across the county from six to nine.
Last month members said they feared the group, which was formed in 1803 when England was under the threat of invasion by France, could be forced to put down their muskets due to a lack of new members.
Kingsley Tompson, group chairman, said: "We've been saved.
"We are one of only two civic guards left in the country and we were anxious to keep going. It would have been a terrible shame to see the tradition come to an end.
"It looks like we have three who want to join. I would like to say a big thank you to the Shropshire Star and the Newport Advertiser for their help.
"The publicity they have given us has generated a lot of interest."
The army was first formed in 1803 by Ralph Leeke who answered a call by King George III for volunteer arms to form in case of invasion from France.
More than 400 men from the Newport and Market Drayton area came forward.
They were disbanded in 1816 after the battle of Waterloo but in 1987 were reformed by Newport man Ray Edwards to parade at civic functions.
Alongside Mr Tompson, who is from Hinstock, the members are Kevin Close, from Newport, Roy Harris, from Dawley, Geoff Sharples, from Edgmond, Terry Mills, from Telford and David Cundliffe, from Dawley.
Mr Tompson said he now hopes two more volunteers will come forward in time to have 11 members for Armistice Day on November 11.
He said: "We want to continue this tradition long into the future, so anyone interested in still applying is more than welcome." For more information or to apply call Mr Tompson on (01952) 550927.
