ROYAL British Legion stalwart Geoff Soane is almost a one-man band in ensuring the future of the organisation's Carhampton and Withycombe branch. He has not only been chairman since 1992 but is also standard bearer, welfare officer and Poppy Appeal organiser and has not wavered from his duties despite losing his wife and eldest son within weeks of one another last year and undergoing major surgery. Now Geoff has been awarded the RBL's top honour - a gold badge - given by the Director General David Wills for outstanding service. The accolade came as a complete surprise to Geoff when it was presented by West Somerset Group chairman Bert Pearson at the branch's annual meeting on Thursday. Bert, group president Frank Morgan and secretary Ross McKee were unexpected guests at the meeting. "He had no idea we were coming and he didn't know what was going on at first," said Bert. "It is a terrific and well deserved tribute." Geoff runs a weekly bingo session for local people in the village, with the proceeds going to branch funds. He also organises the prizes, raffles and publicity for the sessions to ensure the branch has an income - without which it would be unable to make donations to RBL care homes and the welfare fund. In addition, as Poppy Appeal organiser he liaises with collectors, counts the collecting tins, completes the paperwork and knocks 'house to house' himself. Geoff attends all members' funerals, when requested, with the Standard and often stands in all weathers either by the graveside or until the coffin has left - a caring and compassionate commitment valued by many families. Despite the deaths of his wife and son, his dedication to the RBL remained constant and he still attended regular branch and group meetings, called bingo and organised and collected for the Poppy Appeal. "As the numbers deplete and help is less available, Geoff's cheerful nature and willingness to serve keeps the branch plodding along," said Bert. Geoff, left, and Bert are pictured with the gold award and certificate. Photo: Steve Guscott.