We have a Just Giving site for our Poppy Appeal monies.

Brenda's The Royal British Legion Bordeaux Branch - Poppy Appeal page 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RBL-Bordeaux-France?utm_medium=email&utm_source=ExactTarget&utm_campaign=20160920_88261

Chemin de la Liberte  - fund raising for the Royal British Legion July 2017

Some years ago I met a rather nice chap called Scott Goodall. Scott lived in the Ariege in the South West of France. He wrote about the Chemin de la Liberte - a cross-Pyrenees escape route that was used, amongst others, by escaping airmen and escaping prisoners of war during WWII. The stories of escape and evasion remember the sacrifices of the guides and the bravery of everyone involved. In a rash moment I promised that I would do this walk and now I am doing it in Scott's memory and because I believe that I can do this - even as a pensioner!!!

All monies raised will go directly to support the work of The Royal British Legion. Why the RBL? This charity supports every one of our service personnel, those who no longer serve, and their families. The charity covers ALL disciplines, all ranks and also works with other military charities. Their help ranges from Drop-In centres where individuals can discuss problems, financial aid, legal representation to ensure fairness, medical help through enterprises such as The Battleback Centre and of course help and support for families. The list goes on...

I have done long treks, and even a sky-dive, before for charity. One thing I have realised that the achievement is not mine - I only help to fund-raise so that people who need our help stand a better chance of having a more meaningful future. Theirs is the achievement. You can help please by making a donation. I will keep you informed of progress and if you want to join in the group please do not hesitate. It really is a case of the more the merrier.

You may make a donation through my Just Giving page - Brenda's Chemin de la Liberte or if you want more information please email vockings@btinternet.com

With many thanks,

Brenda Vockings, PAO, The Royal British Legion Bordeaux and SW France

 Poppy Appeal 2015

Another great year, and all thanks to our excellent band of poppy collectors who cover a huge geographical area.  All our poppy collectors volunteer their time and without their continuing efforts the Royal British Legion would be less able to support all those service personnel, and their families who need us. Despite withdrawal from conflicts in places like Afghanistan, the need to support all those who have given so much for us continues.  The realisation that illness can strike after conflict, and increasingly after discharge to civilian life, is more apparent now, and with a spate of recent TV programmes the scale of the problems is now being appreciated.  The range of physical and emotional illness is huge and they are often intertwined.

Many injured service personnel have benefitted from the range of services that the Royal British Legion provide. One such service is the Battle Back Centre which has proved to be an inspirational place for many. Completed in 2015 the Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall,  provides care for the wounded, injured and sick service personnel who are referred there. Many people who have benefitted from this purpose designed facility comment upon the challenges they are presented with at the centre and how meeting those challenges have left them in a 'better place'. Surely those comments reflect the benefits of this superb facility? The Royal British Legion provided £27m to establish and operate this fantastic resource. Individuals and families continue to be supported and cared for by the Royal British Legion.  The fight to help the minds and bodies continues. Added to this we still have military personnel serving in conflict zones and their future needs also have to be catered for.

As we near the centenary of the founding of the Royal British Legion, it is apparent that global conflicts continue and so the need for the Royal British Legion goes on. Although the 2015 collection was a little below the 2014 record we need to look forward and maintain our support and make 2016 a year to remember. Let us move forward with renewed vigour and pave the way for an excellent 2016 Appeal.

You know that your country's service men and women need YOU!!!

With thanks to everyone who helped in 2015 and who will continue again for us in 2016.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Brenda Vockings,

Poppy Appeal Organiser,

Royal British Legion Bordeaux and SW France.