2019 Archived Notices

 

AUCTION - Poppy Appeal

We have received a ferry voucher from DFDS Seaways and we are going to auction it with the proceeds going to this years Poppy Appeal. The voucher is for a return journey for a car and up to 5 passengers on their Dieppe to Newhaven route.

If you would like to bid please email Rodney Curtis at: chairman@rblbrittany.fr - The auction will close at midnight on the 31st December 2019.

We have received an opening bid of €100 from MH.

Thank you for your support.

Rodney

Rodney Curtis

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - December 2019

Good Evening Everyone,

I hope you are all well and feeling ’The buzz’ of Christmas arriving and all that that brings, it seems to have featured on the telly’ for months already, some of that food does look scrummy!

This is my first Newsletter as your new ’Scribe’ but I would just like to say a final ’Thank you’ to all of you for your great support, encouragement and humour whilst I was your Chairman, it was a great experience and very humbling, thank you. I wish you all well for the future.

Our new Chairman, Rodney Curtis would, on behalf of The Committee like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, a Healthy, Happy New Year and thank you for your support over the years.

Kate, our Poppy Appeal Organiser would like to thank you all for your fantastic support and remind you she will have a full array of Poppy Appeal merchandise and other ‘Christmassy’ items available at the social on Tuesday.

Events Organiser.

We are still in need of an ‘Events Organiser’ and without one we will struggle to give you the fun activities we would like. A couple of hours a month is all it takes, please give this some consideration.

Welfare Appeal

Our Welfare Secretary Pamela would like to thank you for your continued support. Our current client is doing OK and is recovering from his second heart operation, we would love to help him again before Christmas so if you have any items of food that you could spare him he would be very grateful. Pamela will be at the social on Tuesday to accept any donations, thank you.

Social Tuesday 3rd December 1200 for 1230hrs - Au Relais de l’Oust

We will have the Poppy Appeal and Christmas table, Welfare, Books and an enhanced Christmas Raffle.

Christmas Lunch - 17th December 2019 - Au Relais de l’Oust

This Tuesday will be your last chance to book and pay for your Christmas Lunch, please see Kate.

We will see you on Tuesday.

Kindest Regards

Rodney Curtis

Chairman 

Newsletter compiled by: David Bashford - Editor - Newsletter

 

NEWSLETTER - November 2019

Good Afternoon my friends,

This is my final Monthly Newsletter as your Chairman, tomorrow at the AGM I hand over the reins to Rodney, or should I say ‘back’ to Rodney, as he handed over to me three years ago! 

It has been a pleasure and honour to represent you all over the past three years and I will never forget the support, encouragement and camaraderie I have been afforded, thank you all so much.

Without a doubt the most difficult times have been saying a final farewell to members and friends who have gone to a better place, we will remember them.

The sad times have made me appreciate the fun times and the stand out moments for me were the Christmas meals at Pont Samoël,  the highly successful Troc & Puces and of course the first bingo session, where we were all learning the ropes!! I still chuckle at that memory!

All that we have achieved as a Branch would not have been possible without a strong supportive committee and I have been extremely lucky to have a brilliant team next to me. Thank you all so much. Also thank you to your partners who have sometimes had to take a back seat.

To you, the members of the Branch, thank you for your support and words of encouragement, without you we don’t have a Branch.

To the Executive Committee, Rodney, Kev, Peter and Gordon, thank you for your hard work, guidance and for keeping me ‘on track’ 

Kate has continued with her amazing work for the Poppy Appeal and this year promises to be another ‘jackpot'

Throughout the whole period I have had the wholehearted support, encouragement and guidance of Pamela, my better half and more importantly my best friend. Pamela has guided me through some 'tricky waters’ and her calm approach has kept me ‘on course’ All of this in addition to her hard work as the sole Welfare Officer for Brittany, a full time job in itself!

SOCIAL and AGM - Tuesday 5th November 2019 - 1200 for 1230hrs. AGM approx 1415hrs.

PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF ROOM - We will be in one of the smaller rooms for our social and AGM (Turn left as you come into the reception area)

Tomorrow we will hold the monthly social followed by the AGM. The AGM is your chance to voice your views and maybe offer to help with the running of the Branch.

It is important that you attend and support our Branch in electing and voting for your new committee. The AGM will take about 30 minutes to complete. 

POPPY APPEAL - 2019 

Kate will be in attendance and will have the full array of Poppy Appeal merchandise. Should you wish to order or have ordered wreaths, crosses etc, Kate will have them available upon request.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH - Au Relais de l’Oust, Josselin on 17th December 2019 

Please book in with Kate if you would like to attend.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE & SOCIAL - 3rd December 2019

Tomorrow we will be selling tickets for this years Christmas Raffle.

We have on offer a Christmas hamper, some smaller hampers and other prizes.

That’s all from me folks!

I will see some of you tomorrow.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

Message from our Chairman David Bashford

It is my very sad duty to inform you all of the passing of our dear friend and founder member Hazel Dewhirst. Hazel died at 11:30am on the 22nd October in hospital in Wales. She had disease of the liver.

No one who knew Hazel will forget her enthusiastic zest for life and she was certainly ‘The life and soul of the party’.

 

AGM 2019

Good Afternoon my friends,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying this lovely wet weather, the ducks love it!

Please find below the Convening Order and Nomination Forms for the forthcoming AGM to be held at the Relais de l’Oust on Tuesday 5th November 2019 immediately after the Monthly social.

Convening Order - Nomination Form

As many of you are aware we have volunteers for most of the posts but we are still awaiting help with Events. Dave and Sandra Belsten will continue with the bingo and have also offered to run the quizzes. We need someone to run the monthly raffle, which involves buying 6-7 prizes and selling tickets at socials.

The following have volunteered for the various committee posts but will still need proposing and seconding:

Chairman - Rodney Curtis

Vice Chairman - Ken Newman

Treasurer - Colin Ellum

Secretary - Kevin Ball

Events 1 - Dave Belsten (Bingo and Quizzes)

Events 2 - ??? (Monthly Raffle)

Welfare - Pamela Bashford

Publicity - David Bashford (Newsletter)

Please endeavour to attend the AGM as it is your chance to have your say.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

CHRISTMAS LUNCH 2019

Message from Kate:

Hello everyone!!!

When you read the menu last Tuesday for the Christmas lunch at the Relais on December the 17th, I'm sure you noted that we all have to agree on one choice of  starter, one main course and one pudding for everyone. However, after having a word with Jocelyne, and it is POSSIBLE she may allow a choice of two main courses, but she will need to ask the chef and we will need to make very careful notes. Please give us your first choices for each course so we can use the majority vote. There will be a vegetarian option which will be available on request. You will need to pay in advance,  either by post, or if you prefer at the November social (AGM) or at the latest at the December social. (Cheques should be made payable to the RBL Brittany Branch)

The basic cost is 28 euros each and 23 euros each for Branch members. Here are the choices available, so please let us know ASAP by email poppyappeal@rblbrittany.fr  your preferences, then we can decide what to order.

Starter 

     Salade Fraicheur au Saumon Fume au citron, (which I think means Smoked Salmon Salad with lemon).

     OR    Jambon de Parme et Terrine de Campagne, (Parma ham and a Country rough pate or terrine)

     OR    Coquille Saint-Jacques a la Bretonne du chef (chaud) (Hot home made Breton Scallop in its shell)

Main course 

   Rôti de Porc aux poireaux ou pruneaux  (roast pork with either leeks or prunes)

   OR Poulet rôti Fermier au Cidre  ( roast farm chicken with cider sauce)

   OR At an extra cost of 2 euros)  Rôti de veau aux champignons  (roast veal with mushrooms)

   OR At an extra cost of 2 euros)  Suprême de Pintade aux raisins  ( Guinea fowl with grapes) 

   OR  At an extra cost of 2 euros)   Gigot d'agneau rôti au romarin  ( roast leg of lamb with rosemary)

   Avec  garniture de Légumes   (All served with a selection of vegetables).

Pudding

    La Charlotte au Poires avec son coulis de fruits rouges  ( Pear charlotte [tart?] with red fruit sauce)

   OR    Le Fraisier (en saison) avec son coulis de fruits rouge    ( Strawberry pudding [tart?] with red fruit sauce) (but it says in season, so may not  be available)

   OR   Capitole aux Framboises avec son coulis de fruits rouges  (raspberry pudding [tart? ]with red fruits sauce)

   OR  Le Croquante au chocolat avec une crème anglaise   ( [crunchy] chocolate pudding with cold custard)

With the menu, we are offered: 

Sauvignon Domaine Luc Pays D'oc ipg (white wine) 

Bordeaux    Château des Tourtes le duo aoc  (red wine)

(The wines offered are on the basis of 1 bottle shared between 5 people)

AND  eau plat minérale Plancoet  (still Plancoat [local Breton] water)

AND  at the end of the lunch we are offered Café ou infusion  (coffee or tea) 

Also extras are available:

Kir with two small canapés at 3 euros  

OR Kir Pétillant (sparkling wine) with 2 small canapés  at 4 euros  

OR L’assiette de brie et ses fruits secs sur un lit de salade (A plate of Brie cheese on a small salad with dried fruit at 4 euros)

Catherine Curtis (Mme)

Poppy Appeal Organiser.

 

NEWSLETTER - October 2019

Good Morning Everyone,

I hope you are all well and this current wet spell isn’t to demoralising! When I was in the Army I was told to stop moaning ‘Your skins waterproof’ very true but it didn’t make me feel any better, character building apparently!!

This month we’ve had our Daughter and Grandson with us from New Zealand and its been great to have them here, unfortunately they go back on Thursday. Julia had a three day stopover in Singapore on her way to us and revisited some of the locations we live in and visited ourselves in 1969/70, these included Sarangoon Gardens and Clemenceau Avenue where we lived and The Tiger Balm Gardens where she had pictures taken in the exact spots she stood on 49 years ago as a 1 year old, viewing the photos side by side are truly wonderful to see.

We are approaching a very busy period within the Branch with Membership renewals due, The AGM, Remembrance Sunday and the Christmas festivities. 

We now have the majority of the New Committee in place, but still need someone to run the events for us. This could be a job share situation if you would like to take on one of the minor jobs, for example: monthly raffle, monthly quiz, external meals out, Christmas draw and Christmas meal. The Sub-Committee has already been formed for the 2020 TROC but we will need volunteers again on the day itself.

Monthly Social - Tuesday 1st October 2019 1200hrs for 1230hrs: Au Relais de l’Oust

This month we will be having a game of BINGO, your favourite! There will be the usual tables for Welfare, Books and the Poppy Appeal and the raffle will feature prizes suitable for the winter.

Remembrance Sunday: 10th November 2019

We have been invited to at least 2 services, one in Christ Church, Ploermel at 11am and one in Christ Church, Rostrenen at 10:30am. Rodney and Kate will be attending the service in Ploermel and then making their way up to Ranville for the ceremony on the 11th.

Ceremonial

Rodney, Kate and Gordon, our President, attended a ceremony  ‘Hommage des Aviateurs Britanniques' on Saturday in Trégunc.

Kate has asked me to pass this on to you all:

Dear everyone, I hope you don't mind me sending a round robin, but thought I should tell you there seem to be delays again this year with orders from HQ, so I suggest if you want anything, it will be better to get your order in early!!

Please do take a box of poppies if you feel you can and remember I can post things to you or order from HQ as well. When I looked yesterday, I saw that some items are already sold out, so I won't be able to replenish my stock at the moment. 

Coffee morning Although most of you live too far away, I would like to tell you we are having a coffee morning here at our house(10-12 noon) on October the 22nd, where we will have greetings and Christmas cards in addition to my Poppy stock on sale, as well as scrumptious cakes and tea/coffee. I can email directions to anyone as usual.

I have sent some items already to some of you and even though the expected date of delivery has passed, the items have not yet been dispatched!! So please be aware there will be delays, as there were last year. .. . . . . . 

Thank you all so much for all your help, Kate

Well, that’s all from me folks. I will see some of you tomorrow.

My Kindest Regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - September 2019

Good evening my friends,

I hope you are all well?

This time last month I was seriously thinking the Branch would close and I would have the unenviable task of informing you all that November was to be the final meeting.

Fast forward 30 days and all is well, we have a future.

I would, once again, like to thank those who have volunteered their services to the good of the Branch for the coming year.

Rodney Curtis needs no introduction and is prepared to stand as your Chairman for the 9th year, true dedication to the Royal British Legion and our Branch in particular.

Ken Hartley has offered his services as your Vice Chairman.

Colin Ellum has stepped into the breach as Treasurer and Membership Secretary, this full on post will keep Colin on his toes!

Kevin Ball has offered to continue as your Secretary, another crucial post and so important to ensure we comply with all of the regulations which govern us.

Pamela will continue as your Welfare Secretary and is keen to get more volunteers trained up.

Dave and Sandra Belsten will continue with the book stall and Bingo Buddies!

All other Committee members are considering their futures.

BUT The one post we really need to fill is that of Events Secretary. Without an events secretary we will struggle to organise events such as the Christmas meal, Christmas draw, Monthly raffles, Monthly Quizzes and any additional meals/functions. Please give this some consideration, we could even split some of the events to spread the load?

POPPY APPEAL

I have copied below a message from Kate:

Poppy Appeal. Although it is early, it would be helpful if you wish to order wreaths, crosses etc for this Remembrance tide in November. Also, naturally other items you may require. Unfortunately it is unlikely we will be at the social but have new 'pins' for this year, the ones that look like a bleuet and a poppy, but are actually a world and a poppy for 'World-wide Poppy Appeal. I can order special regimental pins too, as well as the regimental badged crosses and have some in stock. You only have to ask!!!

Please remember to ask your friends, including those who run a business, if they would be kind enough to take a box of poppies for us then we can arrange delivery, collection or maybe we can meet? I will have them at the next social, of course, but it would help to know in advance. My email address is poppyappeal@rblbrittany.fr and the telephone number is 02 97 39 60 69

Thank you all, Kate

WELFARE APPEAL

I have copied below a message from Pamela:

I have recently been notified of a gentleman who is in desperate need of support. He is ex Royal Navy, Air Sea Rescue. Due to circumstances beyond his control caused by two heart attacks he is living in a temporary home without electricity or water. He does have a small gas cooker. Please could I put out an appeal for store cupboard food items to help him. I know you were all very generous when we had a similar appeal before. This gentleman just needs a bit of help to get him back on his feet and fully recovered.

Thank you all, Pamela

Monthly Social - Tuesday 3rd September 2019  1200hrs for 1230hrs - Au Relais de l’Oust, Josselin

This month we will have a General Knowledge quiz and there will be the normal Poppy table, books and Sandra Belsten will be bringing her lovely crafts and as she is having a clearance sale all items will be half the marked price.

We will also celebrate MERCHANT NAVY DAY today. Our member and friend Henry Brown will be absent due to a hospital appointment but we celebrate with Henry this special day to him and all Merchant Seamen wherever they may be, stay safe and a safe return to your home port.

That’s all from me folks, I will see some of you tomorrow.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

The Future

Good Evening my friends,

As the song goes ‘What a difference a day makes, 24 little hours’

After today’s social we have a future. It will come as no surprise to many that Rodney has once again stepped up and volunteered his services as your next Chairman. 

I was possibly the most surprised as we had been talking last week and it wasn’t going to happen!

Ken Hartley has volunteered his services as Vice Chairman. Ken is recovering from a nasty leg break and it was a pleasure to see him today moving very well.

Colin Ellum has volunteered to take on the onerous task of Treasurer and Membership Secretary.

Kristine Price will have her Welfare qualification updated and help Pamela.

I will continue as Scribe and produce your monthly newsletter.

Kev will continue as Secretary, Carol and Dave Allen will continue as Troc caterers, Dave and Sandra will continue with the book stall.

Kate will continue as the Poppy Appeal organiser.

Gordon Rayfield has offered to remain as our President.

I would like one more person to complete the committee, and that would be Events Organiser, someone to run the Monthly Raffle and Quiz/Bingo/Entertainment, also the Christmas Draw Christmas meal and other external events. This is a job that Pamela and I picked up three years ago but ideally should be an additional post.

I am a happy bunny, have a lovely evening. 

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - August 2019

Good Afternoon my friends,

I hope you are all well and enjoying the Hot/Wet/Windy/ Calm/Dry/Hail/Humid weather, I’m not going to mention snow, but nothing would surprise me. I’m not sure if I have a tan or gone rusty!!

THE FUTURE OF THE BRANCH

OK, down to business, The guys that were going to take on the Chair and Vice Chair are currently unable to do so and we find ourselves in a dire situation with 3 months to go before the AGM. To compound the problem, we now need to find a new Treasurer.

My appeal to you all is this, if you want the Branch to continue you need to step forward and volunteer. Even if only for a year, that gives us more time. The ceremonial side of the Branch will continue with Rodney. Kevin will continue as the Secretary.

You do not need to be Ex Military to be on the Executive Committee.

Please, all of you, give this some thought and act before it is too late.

Please either email, phone or speak to me tomorrow at the social, time really is marching on and we need to get the future of this great Branch secured ASAP.

CEREMONIAL

This has been a particularly busy period for Rodney and Kate, as villages commemorate their liberty after D-Day. July and August 1944 saw the Allies clearing huge areas of Brittany. 

On the 27th July the US pilot Charles Kern ceremony was attended by Rodney, Kate, Vanessa and Marilyn.

Yesterday Rodney and Kate were in Moreac Porth Le Gal and today were joined by David and Mary Ballaam in Plougoumelen. This coming Friday Rodney, Kate and Gordon Rayfield will be in Vieux Marche and on Saturday Pamela and I will be joining Rodney and Kate in Saint-Michel-en-Greve.

SOCIAL MEETING - Tuesday 6th August 2019 1200hrs for 1230hrs start - Au Relais de l’Oust, Josselin.

Tomorrow we will have a couple of games of BINGO, as well as the Book and Poppy Appeal merchandise tables, come and enjoy the camaraderie, banter, and have a nice meal with your friends. I look forward to seeing you all, as always.

That’s all from me folks! Drive carefully and I will see you tomorrow.

My kindest regards to you all

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

The RBL Festival of Remembrance

Good Evening Everyone,

I hope you are well and enjoying this lovely weather.

I have attached the detailed instructions to follow should you wish to attend this year’s Festival of Remembrance.

Click here for REMEMBRANCE 2019 - SPECIAL CIRCULAR 

The Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance will be held in the Royal Albert Hall, London on Saturday 9 November 2019 with performances at 2.00pm and 7.00pm.

Members will be able to buy tickets on a first-come-first served basis, in an exclusive Member sale, buying tickets directly from the ticket agent. 

At a local level The Branch will be fairly active during the next couple of months commemorating the liberation of this area of France during the summer of 1944.

Rodney and Kate Curtis will be attending the following events and should you wish to join them they would be delighted to give you more detail:

On 21st July there is a ceremony and a concert in the Cathedral to remember the liberation of Coutances.  

On 27th July there will be a ceremony to remember Charles Kern, between Pontivy and the Central Hospital.

On 5th August there is a ceremony at Plougoumelen to remember the crew of an aeroplane that was lost. 

On 10th and 11th August there will be ceremonies at Saint-Michel-en-Greve, which is not far from Perros Guirec.

On 15th August the liberation of Dinard - St Bartholomew's lay flowers at the war memorial in front of Notre Dame after taking the Union Flag to the service with various French Standards and frequently the American Flag. A live band and speeches follow and afterwards there is a glass of wine at the Marie.

I will be in touch again at the end of the month.

My Kindest Regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - July 2019

Good evening my friends,

I hope you are all well and survived the intense heat of the past week, the fans certainly earned their keep in our house. 

Well, I’ve got some really great news, we have a couple of members who don’t want to see the Branch close down and have expressed an interest in the Chairman and Vice Chairman positions coming up in November. I will introduce them to you tomorrow. Additionally someone who lives further afield won’t see the Branch fold and is prepared to step in and help.

Ken Hartley is now back home and will need a longish period of rehabilitation before he dons his alligator skin disco dancing shoes! Hopefully Ken will be with us tomorrow.

Peter has recovered after his fall and I note that Rhonda is advertising for a hedge trimmer chap, so guess Peter is grounded!

Talking about Peter reminds me that he handed over the financial responsibilities of the Branch to Kristine today. I would like to thank Peter for his outstanding work as our Treasurer and from personal experience I know it can get quite intense at times and there is always something to do. Thank you Peter

Last month I told you about our ‘Bad week’ well I’m delighted to say that things have improved, Pamela has her beloved Berlingo back and I pick up the VW on Wednesday, hopefully I’ll get a days fishing in next week.

Monthly Social - Tuesday 2nd July 2019 1200hrs Au Relais de l'Oust

This month we will have a general knowledge quiz, Raffle, Books and Kate will be back with some Poppy Appeal Merchandise.

That’s all from me folks.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - June 2019

Good Afternoon my friends,

Another month has gone by and we are nearly half way through the year. It seems to me that the months are getting shorter! I know a month now is the same as a month when I was a nipper, but they just seem shorter these days. Anyone who can explain that to me gets a free cup o’ tea, on me!

Ken Hartley had a fall in his garden and has broken his Femur, close to the hip joint so will be laid up for quite a while. Babs may need some support from anyone living locally please give her a bell. Get well soon Ken.

Our Treasurer also had a fall from a ladder in the garden and nurse Rhonda is tending both her own injury and Peter's

A timely reminder that we can’t do what we did when we were younger, my attempted ‘para roll’ which ended up more like a ‘para splat’  keeps me constantly focussed on what I’m doing, now where was I….oh yes, be careful out there!

Vanessa has had a ‘coming together’ with a car overtaking on a blind bend, she is a little bruised up but the car now has no front. Get well soon Van.

Well, on a personal front we’ve had quite a week, both cars have broken down and need recovery to a garage and Pamela fainted in the Thai Restaurant on Friday and luckily we were with ex paramedic Alma, who was magnificent, thanks Alma. Pamela is now fine, but it was scary stuff at the time, Alma was as cool as a cucumber and Steve did a magnificent job as legs supporter.

On the ceremonial front, Mike Jones represented the Branch at the Point Saint Matthieu ceremony yesterday and Rodney and Kate are departing for Normandy tomorrow with a very full programme of ceremonies over the next week. Thank you all for keeping the ‘flag' flying for the Branch, well ‘Standard' actually!.

Bugler needed for 75th Anniversary of the liberation of Plougoumelen 56400 on 5th August 2019. If you know of someone who can play the bugle please contact either our President, Gordon Rayfield or myself, thank you.

IN 5 MONTHS TIME THE BRANCH WILL CLOSE DOWN, unless we can find a Chairman and Vice Chairman. If anyone would like to talk to me in private regarding the Chairmans role please let me know.

We have a Treasurer and a Secretary.

July, August, September, October, November - AGM

. . . . . . .  .  .  .  .  .   .   .   .   .   .    .    .    .    .    .     .     .     .      .       .        .        .         .               😔

Monthly Social - Tuesday 4th June 2019 1200hrs Au Relais de l'Oust

This month we will have either a musical quiz or a general knowledge quiz, Books and Welfare table.

That’s all from me folks.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha 

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - May 2019

Good Evening my friends,

April was quite a month, the social turnout was good and we were able to welcome new member Bev Sedgemore and a guest, Pastor Robin Adams.

The Easter Draw was very popular and everyone was envious of the winner of the superb 'Auvergne' hamper donated by Kevin, after a little arm twisting we managed to raise €230, thank you all for your support and to Kevin for putting a superb hamper together.

The Annual Troc raised a staggering €1322 profit so a huge thank you to Kevin for putting it all together. Carol and Dave once again ran a superb kitchen. Many members turned up at an unbelievably early hour to help set up and stayed on to pack away and clean up, many of you helped throughout the day, without you all we couldn’t function, thank you all.

Dave and Sandra Belsten have taken over the book table and are doing a fine job BUT there is no more space to store books, so please don’t bring any in to the social at present, thank you.

Rodney and Kate will be attending ceremonies in Pontivy on Saturday, if you would like more information please contact Rodney.

Monthly Social - Tuesday 7th May 1200hrs - Au Relais de l'Oest

This month there will be a quiz, plus the usual book, welfare and poppy tables - your last chance to get that poppy pin before the D-Day commemorations.

My kindest regards to you all.

Basha

David Bashford

Chairman

 

NEWSLETTER - April 2019

Good Evening my friends,

Well, it’s that time of the month…Newsletter time.

Clocks ‘sprung' forward this morning so I guess it’s officially springtime, I hope you have been enjoying this fantastic weather. 

We have spent some time in the garden, a little trimming here and there followed by a cafe creme, a little trimming….you know the cycle!!

Rodney, Kate and Van attended the Operation ‘Chariot’ commemoration at Saint Nazaire on Wednesday and I would like to thank them for proudly representing the Branch and particularly Rodney who laid the wreath on my behalf as I was not feeling 100%

Diary of events for April 2019:

Tuesday 2nd April - 1200hrs - Monthly Social - Au Relais de l’Oust, Josselin

This month we will have a 'Special Easter Draw’, dominated by the fantastic ‘Auvergne' food and drink hamper that Kevin has put together, we also have a ’three pack’ of quality wine and to complete the Easter theme, some chocolate Easter eggs and a chocolate bunny!

We will have a game of BINGO and there will be the usual book and welfare tables. Kate will be there with the Poppy Appeal table and I know she has put together some scrummy looking cream egg nests, which will be on sale on behalf of the Poppy Appeal.

Sunday 7th April 2019 1000-1700hrs Troc & Puces PLUMELIAU Salle Drosera

This is the most important Branch Fundraiser of the year.

SET-UP HELP NEEDED. We can not get into the hall before 0800hrs on the Sunday morning so please be there at 0800hrs ready to set the hall up. The more people that help the easier it will be and don’t forget my offer of a cuppa! Kevin will be coordinating the labour effort so please seek him out when you arrive.

Carol and Dave Allen will be setting up the kitchen so again seek them out if you are on the catering team.

APPEAL for cakes/cake. Please donate a cake or cakes. Either bring them on the day or if you would like to bring them to the social on Tuesday we will ensure they get to the Troc on Sunday.

CLEARING HELP NEEDED. We will also need help clearing and cleaning after the event so if you are able please give a hand.

That’s all from me folks!

My kindest regards to you all. 

Basha

Chairman 

 

NEWSLETTER - March 2019

Good Afternoon my friends,

I trust you are all well and survived the best that Hurricane Freya could throw at us. The previous week was glorious and I am now sporting a modest tan, not bad for February!

If you have received Ballot papers for the new National Chairman, Vice Chairman and Trustees and wish to vote I have to countersign them so please bring along to the social or post to me. 

I have listed below a few of the upcoming events, but of course the Troc and Puces is the most important of the Branch fund raising activities, it also allows us to further enhance our contributions to the Annual Poppy Appeal. Again, we can’t do it without your help, so I would urge you to help by either helping set up on either the Saturday evening or early Sunday morning, we will have a better idea of when we can access the venue nearer the time and we will advise you. All volunteers will receive a free ‘cuppa’ with the Chairman, not to be sniffed at!!

We will also need assistance on the day, so please let either Kevin or myself know. The final clear up will be quicker, the more members that are able to help. 

The Poppy Appeal this year has raised €13,300 plus well over £1300, I’m sure you will all agree this is yet another fantastic achievement so many congratulations to Kate, Rodney and team PA.

Since 2007 Kate and Rodney have raised in excess of €131,067.

Thats One Hundred and Thirty One Thousand, and Sixty Seven Euros.

Absolutely OUTSTANDING

Monthly Social - 1200hrs Tuesday 5th March 2019 - Au Relais de l’Oust

This month we will have a general knowledge quiz, raffle and the normal welfare and book stall.

Commemoration - Operation ‘Chariot’ - Saint Nazaire 28th March 2019

The Chairman, Vice Chairman, Poppy Appeal Organiser, Welfare Secretary and Branch Standard will be present for this important Commemoration.

Monthly Social - 1200hrs Tuesday 2nd April 2019 - Au Relais de l’Oust

We will have a game of BINGO, plus the normal raffle, welfare and book stall.

Troc & Puces - 1000 - 1700hrs Sunday 7th April 2019 - Salle Drosera, Plumeliau

See above. Our Honorary Secretary, Kevin Ball is the point of contact for this event.

David Bashford

Chairman

 

POPPY APPEAL: Abject apologies to you all, and a very belated Happy New Year, but we were delayed with finalising the Poppy Business after a death in the family, which entailed a long visit to UK.

Now, I can thank you all, and say with your help, we raised 13,300 euros this year for the Poppy Appeal and have already sent £1,265.46 to HQ.

Also, in case you are interested and live not too away, the local Branch of the Royal British Legion are holding a Troc et Puces in Plumeliau near Pontivy on April the 7th. Please do come if you would like to - you would be very welcome!

Thank you all so very much for all your help and please do keep in touch!!

Kate and Rodney

 

NEWSLETTER - January 2019

Good evening my friends,

A very belated Happy New Year to you all. 

I hope you all had a special Christmas and saw the New Year in, in style.

I like to watch on TV as the New Year arrives in the South Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Australia and working it’s way West. Having Daughters in New Zealand and Australia and having lived in Malaysia, Singapore, Cyprus, Berlin, Celle-Hannover, Dusseldorf and now France and originally London it’s very special to watch these familiar landmarks ‘See in’ the New Year.

I hope this year brings us some certainty regarding our futures whether you live here in France or in the UK.

On a sad note, Rodney lost his Mum on 31st December, our love and support go out to you Rodney, be good to have you back here soon.

TREASURER

Looking at our immediate future, we do need a new Treasurer from 1st July, we will not be permitted to continue without one, it is a key post. Please speak to either Peter or myself if you are interested.

SOCIAL MEETING - 5th FEBRUARY 2019

Au Relais de l’Oust 1200 for 1230hrs

This month we will have a game of BINGO

The raffle this month will feature a very special American fruit cake…all the way from….The USA! Thank you for the donation Kate and Rodney.

VALENTINES DAY - CHINESE LUNCH - 14th FEBRUARY 2019

Lanterne Rouge - Pontivy 1200hrs

Celebrate this wonderful day with us. I have booked 30 places, please register with me if you and your valentine would like to join Pamela and her Valentine!

TROC AND PUCES - SUNDAY 7th April 2019

This is our main fundraising effort of the year and we really would appreciate your help and support.

Our Secretary, Kevin Ball is running the show this year and we need volunteers to help with the numerous task. Please register your interest with Kevin.

Carol and Dave Allen will be looking after the catering side of the Troc, If you would like to donate a cake please let Carol or Dave know. Please also show the ingredients in your cake, especially if it contains NUTS.

Have you got an emergency cold weather kit in your car? Mobile phone, shovel, snow chains, torch, blankets, flask of soup, warm waterproof clothing, hat, scarf, gloves, wellies ????

That's all from me my friends, please keep warm and safe and beware of icy roads, if in doubt….don’t travel.

Basha             

David Bashford

Chairman