After another successful fundraising year, the Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is already gearing up for its 2016/17 Poppy Appeal.
The branch, which covers Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke, Stoke Lodge, Stoke Gifford and Filton, will stage its traditional Poppy Appeal launch event at Bristol Parkway Station on Friday 28th October, starting at 2pm.
VIP guests expected to attend the launch are Chelsea Pensioner Brian Cumming MBE, national RBL trustee Martyn Tighe and branch vice-president Jack Lopresti MP.
Alf Sollars from the Patchway RBL branch, motorcyclists from the RBL Riders and Andrew Phelps, the Stoke Gifford Senior Scout Leader, will also be there.
University of the West of England student Zak Ajjane will play the Last Post and Reveille.
Branch chairman and Poppy Appeal organiser John Moloney has led the branch to another successful fundraising year with the 2015/16 branch total standing at £49,000 in mid-September (the appeal year ends on 30th September).
The money raised through the Poppy Appeal goes to the RBL’s Welfare Fund, which is used to give help and support to current and ex-service personnel and their families.
John Moloney said:
“We must continue in our endeavour to make sure the Welfare of our Armed Forces continues after they have left and also whilst serving. To improve on this year’s Poppy Appeal we need all the assistance we can get.”
“Could you spare just two hours of your time between Saturday 29th October and Sunday 13th November between the hours of 9am and 5pm hours at Asda Filton, Sainsbury’s East Filton, Parkway Station or the Willow Brook Centre (Tesco’s) in Bradley Stoke?”
“Be part of an award winning team in raising funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. I look forward to hearing from you.”
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact John Moloney on 07802 535591 or ja_moloney@live.co.uk
If you or someone you know needs help from the Royal British Legion, please contact their national helpline on 0808 802 8080.
The RBL has opened a new Pop-in Centre at 60 Union Street, Bristol, where people can call in for advice and information on the charity’s support and community services.
• The Stoke Gifford branch of the Royal British Legion now has its own Facebook page: @StokeGiffordRBL
Photo: Chelsea Pensioner Brian Cummings MBE helps launch the Stoke Gifford RBL branch’s Poppy Appeal for 2015/16.
Local Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day events
- 11th November: Short Armistice Day services by the RBL at Bristol Parkway Station, Sainsbury’s Stoke Gifford and the Willow Brook Centre
- 13th November: Stoke Gifford RBL Remembrance parade and ceremony
- 13th November: Bradley Stoke Scouts Remembrance parade and ceremony
- 20th November: Patchway RBL Remembrance parade and ceremony
This article originally appeared in the October 2016 edition of the Bradley Stoke Journal news magazine, delivered FREE, EVERY MONTH, to 9,500 homes in Bradley Stoke, Little Stoke and Stoke Lodge. Phone 01454 300 400 to enquire about advertising or leaflet insertion.
