All the latest Notices / Newsletters will appear here. For archived notices please click the links below.
NEWSLETTER - April 2018
Hello everyone,
I hope ‘All fools Day’ went well for you and you didn’t get caught out. We survived unscathed. It is quite a poignant day for me personally as it is my late father’s birthdate, so his photograph joins us for breakfast and we toast him with his favourite ‘tipple’ a cup ‘O’ tea!
Rodney and Kate attended the ‘Operation Chariot’ commemorations at Saint Nazaire. I was laid low with a tummy bug and thought it prudent not to attend, so thank you both for standing in and laying the Branch remembrance wreath on my behalf. Good to report that Kate is fighting fit after her ‘turn’ at the last social.
The next monthly social is this coming Tuesday the 3rd April and we will have a traditional quiz, this month set by Sylvia Hibbert. Pamela has put together a nice set of raffle prizes and Sandra Belsten will be bringing her handicrafts. Trish will bring a selection of greetings cards, Kate will have the Poppy Appeal merchandise and we will have a book stall, so something for everyone.
I have detailed below the events coming up but must emphasise the importance of the Troc to this Branch, it sets us up financially for the whole year and it needs to succeed.
It is a joint effort and if you can spare some time to assist please speak to Ann Thomson. We also need volunteers to make/donate cakes, we can even supply the ingredients.
Dave and Carol Allen are the catering coordinators so please offer your services to them. All table were sold some time ago so we are expecting a full house and with a little luck this year should be a record breaker.
Kate has received a delivery of new ‘WW1 Centenary' brooches in 2 different styles, and the 1918-2018 poppy brooch, she will have them on sale at €3.00 each along with other Poppy Appeal merchandise. The Poppy Appeal isn’t just a November thing, for Kate it’s all 12 months of the year and she and Rodney have been ‘at it’ for approaching 30 years! Amazing, Outstanding, Humbling.
Troc and Puces
15th April 2018 - Salle Drosera Plumeliau
The Troc and Puces to be held on Sunday 15th April 2018 is an extremely important event for our Branch and Ann Thomson, Carol and Dave Allen have been beavering away in the background in preparation, however we do need your help for this event to be a success, If you are able to spare us the whole day, half day or a few hours it would be very much appreciated. We particularly need help in setting up on Sunday morning, we start at 0800hrs and with many hands it won’t take long and I will personally buy you all a cup of Coffee/Tea, no expense spared! We also need help taking down/clearing/cleaning after the event.
Cakes: To keep costs down we are asking if you would be prepared to donate a Cake/cakes/scones/muffins/homemade bread etc. Please would you advise one of the organisers if you can do this. If you can’t make the Troc but would like to donate a cake, please bring it to the April social, we have plenty of room in our freezer.
Diary Dates:
Tuesday 3rd April 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and the Welfare table will be taken over by Sandra and her handicrafts and Trish will be bringing her greetings/birthday/special occasion cards.
Sunday 15th April - Troc and Puces - 1000 - 1700hrs - Salle Drosera, Plumeliau
Details above.
Friday 20th April 2018 - 1200hrs - Fish and Chips - Pont Samoel, Silfiac
Most of us now know what quality food Patrick and Kathy constantly serve. We have booked 30 places for the 20th April.
If you do not want fish and chips a limited menu is available, including a vegetarian option. (Advanced notice reqd)
I would recommend the traditional home made Cornish Pasty. Kathy, being Cornish knows what a real pasty looks like, it’s huge (Doggy bag provided) Again, please let me know if you would like the pasty.
Please book through me, including any dietary requirements: chairman@rblbrittany.fr
Tuesday 1st May 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
Just to confirm, although this is May Day and a traditional Bank Holiday, the Relaise will be open for us.
There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
Tuesday 5th June 2018 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a Bingo Session this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
My kindest regards to you all.
Basha.
The Troc et Puces publicised in Le Télégramme.
Easter message from our Chairman.
Troc et Puces - 15th April
Photo: Ann Thomson (publicity officer) and Philip Hill (sponsor of the Troc et Puces) - Philip has a business, Expertise Habitat, he does diagnostics on houses for sale or rent, he will be present during the Troc, bilingual, so can maybe help potential house sales
We have Vikki and Dave playing music in the afternoon
Plus a raffle, tickets on sale on the day, two prizes, a Bon Achat from intermarche in Plumeliau and a voucher worth 20 euros for a meal in the local pizzeria, Les Forges, also in Plumeliau, draw to take place 15.30pm
Sorry all the tables are now sold out, but we would love to see everyone on the day, plenty to eat and drink
Thanks
Ann
NEWSLETTER - March 2018
Warmest greetings to you all.
Well, that was a nasty little ‘cold snap’ hope you all survived intact and are now enjoying a relatively warmer, albeit wetter spell.
It is good to report that some membership cards are now getting through and your Chairman is now a confirmed member of the Branch! Pamela is overcome with excitement as she has received hers, having missed out last year! Thank you again to Peter for your dogged determination. Don’t forget you need to inform HQ RBL if you move, change your email address or phone number.
In times of extreme weather it concentrates the mind on those not so well off and thankful we have a roof over our heads, some warmth and a belly full of hot broth. All of which brings me nicely on to Pamela’s Welfare Report.
Welfare Appeal
In 2017 welfare put out an appeal to help a Veteran by donating food items, the response was fantastic and our Veteran was overwhelmed with the kindness shown to him.
I would like to make the appeal again for any spare store cupboard food items this would be gratefully received and I can collect any items at the March Social.
Thank you for your support. Pamela.
Troc and Puces
15th April 2018 - Salle Drosera Plumeliau
The Troc and Puces to be held on Sunday 15th April 2018 is an extremely important event for our Branch and Ann Thomson, Carol and Dave Allen have been beavering away in the background in preparation, however we do need your help for this event to be a success, If you are able to spare us the whole day, half day or a few hours it would be very much appreciated. We particularly need help in setting up and taking down/clearing/cleaning. Timing to be confirmed once we know when the hall will be available.
Cakes: To keep costs down we are asking if you would be prepared to donate a Cake/cakes/scones/muffins/homemade bread etc. Please would you advise one of the organisers if you can do this. If you can’t make the Troc but would like to donate a cake, please bring it to the April social, we have plenty of room in our freezer.
Diary Dates:
6th March 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social - Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a Bingo Session this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
Just to confirm, although this is May Day and a traditional Bank Holiday, the Relaise will be open for us. There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
EXTRA NEWSLETTER - February 2018
Hi Everyone,
After the disappointment of yesterday’s cancelled meeting I thought I would update you on a few planned events. Some members were disappointed they could not get books, so we are offering you two opportunities to do that, details below.
13th February 2018 - Car Boot Book Exchange - Super U - Loudeac
Pamela will be in the Super U car park (Covered Area) in Loudeac on Tuesday 13th February at 1430-1530hrs. Please let us know if you will be coming by emailing chairman@rblbrittany.fr
16th February 2018 - Chinese New Year Lunch and Car Boot Book Exchange
The Chinese New Year lunch will be on the 16th February at 1200hrs. Lantern Rouge, Pontivy. Pamela will bring some books and set up a ‘Car Boot Book Exchange’ after the meal (About 1400hrs) Normal book prices apply. Please book through me by emailing chairman@rblbrittany.fr
Welfare Appeal
In 2017 Welfare put out an appeal to help a Veteran by donating food items, the response was fantastic and our Veteran was overwhelmed with the kindness shown to him.
I would like to make the appeal again for any spare store cupboard food items this would be gratefully received and I can collect any items at the Chinese Lunch or the Car Boot Book Exchange in Loudeac.
Thank you all for your continued support, Pamela.
Valentines Day gifts for Ladies
Kate has some items of costume jewellery and poppy broaches which may answer the age old question ‘What should I get the love of my life for Valentines Day’ Contact Kate for more info at poppyappeal@rblbrittany.fr
Kindest Regards to you all, keep warm, keep safe and look out for each other.
Hugs and Handshakes
Basha
David Bashford
Chairman
Important Notice - February 6th 2018
Hi everyone,
We’ve made the early decision to cancel today’s meeting because of settled snow and expected blizzard.
We currently have 3 inches of settled snow and are expecting a heavy fall at midday with blizzard conditions later in the day.
The next meeting will be 6th March 2018.
Sorry to disappoint you all but your safety must prevail.
Kindest Regards
Basha
David Bashford
Chairman
NEWSLETTER - February 2018
Good Afternoon My Friends,
Well, the sun is shining upon my little bit of France, I do hope it is with you to. I do believe we are in for a cold spell next week, so dig out the thermals, fleeces and quilts and hunker down.
On a serious note if you are aware of any of our members who will struggle to stay warm, please contact me, I’m sure we can help. No one should be cold, help is at hand.
SOP, any military amongst us will recognise the initials SOP (Standard Operating Procedure), but I heard an interesting version last week where a group of friends always phone each other daily to ensure they are all OK, They refer to it as an SOP call…Still On Perch. Quite sensible I thought……looking out for one another.
Our first social is this Tuesday, the 6th February at Au Relais de l’Oust 1200 for 1230hrs start. We will have a quiz and the normal array of tables. There will be an enhanced raffle with some great prizes including a Port, stilton and cracker hamper, Pictured below. Hope to see you there.
Membership Cards
Our long suffering Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Peter, having continually hastened, badgered and generally got under the skin of the Membership Department at HQ has been assured that all glitches have been resolved and they should be with us very soon, so thank you Peter for your endeavours. Having held the post for a couple of years I know it is extreamly frustrating dealing with a middle man and not with Novacroft directly.
Welfare Appeal
In 2017 welfare put out an appeal to help a Veteran by donating food items, the response was fantastic and our Veteran was overwhelmed with the kindness shown to him.
I would like to make the appeal again for any spare store cupboard food items this would be gratefully received and I can collect any items at the February Social.
Thank you for your support. Pamela
Troc and Puces 15th April 2018 - Salle Drosera Plumeliau
The Troc and Puces to be held on Sunday 15th April 2018 is an extremely important event for our Branch and Ann Thomson, Carol and Dave Allen have been beavering away in the background in preparation, however we do need your help for this event to be a success, If you are able to spare us the whole day, half day or a few hours it would be very much appreciated. We particularly need help in setting up and taking down/clearing/cleaning. Timing to be confirmed once we know when the hall will be available.
Cakes: To keep costs down we are asking if you would be prepared to donate a Cake/cakes/scones/muffins/homemade bread etc. Please would you advise one of the organisers if you can do this.
Diary Dates:
6th February 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a traditional quiz this month plus an enhanced raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
16th February 2018 1200hrs - Chinese New Year - Lanterne Rouge, Pontivy
'The year of the dog' begins on the 16th February 2018 and we have been lucky enough to have reserved 30 places at our favourite Chinese restaurant.
There are in fact 5 dog years; Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold and Water, this year is the turn of the Earthdog. Famous Earthdogs include Madonna and Michael Jackson.
The Chinese Zodiac contains 12 signs and the Dog is the 11th position in the cycle, this year it runs from 16th February 2018 until 4th February 2019.
Lucky numbers are; 3,4 and 9. Lucky Colours are; Red, Green and Purple. Lucky Flowers are; Rose and Cynbidium Orchids.
To book your place email me at: chairman@rblbrittany.fr
6th March 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a Bingo Session this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
2nd April 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
15th April - Troc and Puces - 1000 - 1700hrs - Salle Drosera, Plumeliau
Details above, book through: troc@rblbrittany.fr
20th April 2018 - 1200hrs - Fish and Chips - Pont Samoel, Silfiac
Most of us now know what quality food Patrick and Kathy constantly serve. We have booked 30 places for the 20th April.
If you do not want fish and chips a limited menu is available, including a vegetarian option. (Advanced notice reqd)
I would recommend the traditional home made Cornish Pasty. Kathy, being Cornish knows what a real pasty looks like, it’s huge (Doggy bag provided) Again, please let me know if you would like the pasty.
Please book through me, including any dietary requirements: chairman@rblbrittany.fr
My kindest regards to you all and please ‘look out’ for each other, particularly in this cold period.
Basha
David Bashford
Chairman
NEWSLETTER - January 2018
A Very Happy New Year to you all and I hope you are steering clear of the dreaded flu bug thats doing the rounds.
Our hardworking Treasurer and Membership Secretary, Peter Beauchamp continues in his battle to resolve the membership renewals fiasco and hopefully we will receive confirmation from HQ London of your membership renewal soon. It would be good to know that as your Chairman, I am actually a member! Pamela will be extra excited to get her membership card as she didn’t receive one at all last year!
The two Christmas meals at Pont Samoel were well received by all 80 participants and the extra journey time was well justified.
The first of the 2018 Poppy Appeal fundraisers will take place on the 28th January, in Kate’s own words:
On Sunday, January the 28th we will be holding a Burns Lunch at our house, La Lande de Bolore in aid of the Poppy Appeal, so we will ask for donations of 20 euros for members of the RBL and 22 euros for non-members.
Sadly, we may not have anyone to address the haggis in the traditional way, but the menu is as follows ( please let me know if you are vegetarian etc)
Aperitif to start, followed by coq a leekie soup, then a simple fish course, and afterwards the traditional Haggis, tatties and neeps. Then we will have cheese, followed by desert. Wine and coffee are included and we will have a nip of whisky to toast the haggis, of course.
Places are strictly limited, so if you wish to come, do please book ASAP. Best Wishes, Kate
Catherine Curtis (Mme)
Poppy Appeal Organiser.
Troc and Puces 15th April 2018 - Salle Drosera Plumeliau
The Troc and Puces to be held on Sunday 15th April 2018 is an extremely important event for our Branch and Ann Thomson, Carol and Dave Allen have been beavering away in the background in preparation, however we do need your help for this event to be a success, If you are able to spare us the whole day, half day or a few hours it would be very much appreciated. We particularly need help in setting up and taking down/clearing/cleaning. Timing to be confirmed once we know when the hall will be available.
We have had some offers of help and I will list below jobs to be filled, jobs already filled and volunteers required:
Organiser: Ann Thomson at: troc@rblbrittany.fr
Catering co-ordinator: Carol and Dave Allen
Kitchen - Cooking: Carol and Dave Allen, Mavis Weaving (TBC)
Front of House: Sandra Belsten + 1 volunteer
Food Orders: Dave Belsten, Neil Griffiths
Drinks: Christian + 1 volunteer
Front Door: Kevin(TBC) + 1 volunteer
Treasurer/Floats: Peter Beauchamp
Cakes: To keep costs down we are asking if you would be prepared to donate a Cake/cakes/scones/muffins/homemade bread etc. Please would you advise one of the organisers if you can do this.
Diary Dates:
28th January 2018 - Burns Lunch
Details above.
Contact Kate at poppyappeal@rblbrittany.fr
6th February 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a traditional quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
16th February 2018 1200hrs - Chinese New Year - Lanterne Rouge, Pontivy
'The year of the dog' begins on the 16th February 2018 and we have been lucky enough to have reserved 30 places at our favourite Chinese restaurant.
There are in fact 5 dog years; Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold and Water, this year is the turn of the Earthdog. Famous Earthdogs include Madonna and Michael Jackson.
The Chinese Zodiac contains 12 signs and the Dog is the 11th position in the cycle, this year it runs from 16th February 2018 until 4th February 2019.
Lucky numbers are; 3,4 and 9. Lucky Colours are; Red, Green and Purple. Lucky Flowers are; Rose and Cynbidium Orchids.
To book your place email me at: chairman@rblbrittany.fr
6th March 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be a Bingo Session this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
3rd April 2018 - 1230hrs - Monthly Social
Au Relais de l’Oust
There will be some form of quiz this month plus the raffle, Poppy Appeal merchandise, books and Welfare table.
15th April - Troc and Puces - 1000 - 1700hrs - Salle Drosera, Plumeliau
Details above, book through: troc@rblbrittany.fr
20th April 2018 - 1200hrs - Fish and Chips - Pont Samoel, Silfiac
Most of us now know what quality food Patrick and Kathy constantly serve. We have booked 30 places for the 20th April.
If you do not want fish and chips a full menu is available, including a vegetarian option. (Advanced notice reqd)
I would recommend the traditional home made Cornish Pasty. Kathy, being Cornish knows what a real pasty looks like, it’s huge (Doggy bag provided)
Please book through me, including any dietary requirements: chairman@rblbrittany.fr
My kindest regards to you all and please be extra careful on these wet, icy slippery roads.
Basha
David Bashford
Chairman
