FOLLOWING the Armed Forces Day flag raising ceremony, Charles Smith picked up the Civic Award for which he was nominated by Chair of Harlow Council., Councillor Edna Stevens. He had been unable to attend the awards ceremony at Annual Council held in May 2016.

Charles has lived in Harlow since the town was in its infancy and worked in a wide variety of jobs, before spending the last years of his working life driving disabled children to and from school, finally retiring in his late 70s.

Having joined the Royal British Legion in Harlow in the early 1990s, Charles quickly became involved in the voluntary and fundraising work they undertook, and later joined the Branch Committee, becoming Chair at the end of the 1990s.

During his time as Chair he forged links with Harlow Council. Charles has also encouraged members of the Royal British Legion to accompany him to many of the schools in the town to talk to the children about their experiences from the war. He retired as Chair in 2013 but remained as caretaker until he was unable to undertake the role.

Throughout his later years with the Royal British Legion Charles cared for his wife Doreen as her health deteriorated and he now cares for her full time. This does not stop Charlie maintaining his interest in the work of the Royal British Legion and his keen interest in maintaining his links to the schools.

He agreed to become the Legion President in 2014, a position he holds today.

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