Crusader

It isn't such a problem for those in society who are retired and generally have a bit more time or can make time. That said, there in lies the problem of today, young blood is required to rejuvinate most voluntary organisations, but if the members who have the time are the oldies then an organisation will look antiquated

And, with respect, it was also the oldies who, having joined right after World War 2 held it together for many, many years in the past but who, sadly, allowed a great organisation to degenerate into an old-boys club which failed to attract fresh blood. I hasten to add, I do not include ALL oldies, as some were very pro-active but the majority failed to act when required to do so. I recall that when I jonied (aged 40) a comment was made "We have a young-un"

That said, we do have many now who are aged around 40, with some younger and a preponderance over, but overall a good age-spread and with some excellent skills and abilities.

At the time of inception and probably tight up to the end of the 80s society was very much different in that people worked the 40 hour week and had the weekends free to do other things. The usual was that Saturday was the day to potter in the garden or the like and Sunday was always the day of rest. Some took it upon themselves to use their weekends to volunteer into groups like the legion and be active in their community.

In todays world the employer rules and the average wage worker has no choice as to what happens to their life. They are tied to working all sorts of odd shifts and many end up working six of seven days a week and often more than the 40 hours, all in the name of the mighty dollar so that their employer can begger off and be a lazy sod in some foreign land or on his yacht in the Med.

The idea of having a weekend free is no longer. the result is that organisations, and I would say that nearly all organisations of a voluntary nature, all have a problem with recruiting, and then recruiting the right sort of people to serve the need. You cannot just accept all-comers just to boost the 'bums on seats' mentality.

In the past a potential enlistee would be asking what they could do for the community whereas today one finds the first thing an enlistee will ask is "HOW MUCH DO I GET PAID" This is a mentality that now needs to be removed so that the level playing field can be established

In response to (some of) this, I can confirm that I work very inconvenient hours and this includes every second weekend ...all weekend, Saturday and Sunday. This is not through choice, but contractual requirement. I also work until late into the evening, sometimes not getting home until close to midnight and I have little time to dedicate to volunteer organisations. That said, I DO give my time, where I am able and I get a great sense of comradeship belonging to a group of similar-minded individuals all of whom reject the foolishness of the recent past and who seek to rebuild on the true history and ethos of the Frontiersmen.

QUOTE (Kev in Deva @ Nov 30 2008, 07:28 )

The modern version probably lists how to acquire medals & insignia you are not entitled too and the correct "Walting" etiquette

I do hope that this GMIC threat will NOT turn into another episode of the arse forum's 200+ pages of sick, mindless, one sided drop kicks at the LOF.

Remember this is a GENTLEMAN'S group

Well said Mike!

GGT

One wonders how a much respected organisation at the turn of the century can become so debased overtime. Articles on the L.of.F. did appear in St.Georges Gazette the regimental journal of the Northumberland Fusiliers and in my memory is correct one inlcuded a picture of Roger Pocock the founder of the L.of.F.

As far as I'm aware these men were originally adventurers-cum-Empire builders, not Walter Mitty's and would be possibly be regarded as 'pathfinders' in todays military terms.

The Legion of Frontiersmen went through a very bad patch some years ago due to weak leadership and inadequate recruiting and this allowed all kinds of disreputable individuals to join, whose only desire was for assumed glory and a chest-full of unearned medals. The Legion suffered very severely due to this and attracted the attentions of the likes of the ARRSE commentators whose only aim was (and is) to destroy what is left of a great organisation. I am confident in saying that the Legion has learned its lesson and things have been changing for the better for several years, although one or two of their membership continue to bring them down by their insistence on wearing badly-fitting uniforms and Frontiersmen issue medals. There are some good people at the helm now and things will most certainly get better.