SIR: I write to issue a gentle reminder to any War Widows in your region that this is the last full year that anyone who wants to visit their husband's grave or memorial may be eligible for official financial help towards the cost of the trip.

One of the most well-received Government grant schemes to be introduced in the 1980s is due to come to an end in March, 1999.

In the past this grant has meant that widows who have travelled on one of our pilgrimages to Commonwealth War Graves' Commission's cemeteries overseas have had seven-eighths of their costs covered. In cases of hardship, we have often made up the balance out of the Legion's own funds.

With just 12 months to go before the grant scheme finishes, I would encourage any War Widow considering joining a pilgrimage to make contact with me at the Royal British Legion as soon as possible. Those other than War Widows are also welcome on any of our tours, although they have to meet the full cost themselves.

P Storie-Pugh,

Tel: 01622 716729

Or write to:

Royal British Legion Pilgrimages Department

Royal British Legion Village,

Aylesford,

Kent ME20 7NX. ?

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