A local Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) is celebrating its 85th birthday with a special fundraising event for the Poppy Appeal. The Stoke Gifford Branch was formed in 1928 and is only seven years younger than the Legion nationally.
The Stoke Gifford Branch has, for two years running, won the RBL Gloucestershire County Marling Cup for most efficient small branch.
As part of its 85th birthday celebrations the Branch is organising a special ‘Tri- Services Military Event’ in Stoke Gifford. The event should be a great day out day for all and will also be a fundraiser for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal/Welfare Fund.
The event is taking place on Sunday 1st September 2013 at the Mile Straight Sports and Social Club (MSSSC), New Road, Stoke Gifford, BS34 8SF and it will open to the public from 10.30am until 5pm. The club has donated its facilities free of charge. There will be local parking available.
A small entrance fee will be charged, this and all money raised from collections and trade stands will go directly into the 2012 – 2013 Poppy Appeal which helps to fund the Legion’s help and support for current and ex service personnel and their families.
On display at the event will be approximately 30 restored military vehicles form different eras, conflicts and countries, supplied by The Military Vehicle Trust.
The event will also have a number of Sea, Marine, Army and Air Cadet Units from Bristol and the surrounding areas. Each Unit will have their own display with a number of exciting and interesting activities and demonstrations.
Also attending will be members of The Royal British Legion Rider’s branch and their bikes. The Riders Branch of the Legion raises substantial amounts of money for the Poppy Appeal every year. At the event there will be a number of community groups, and it will also feature a 1940s Trio group singing live.
The Mile Straight Sports and Social Club (MSSSC) is a very successful local club with members drawn from a wide area including Stoke Gifford, Filton and Bradley Stoke.
The MSSSC has a fully licensed bar which will be providing soft and alcoholic refreshments during the event, and there will also be a catering stand supplying hot food.
Stoke Gifford RBL spokesman David Bell said: “We are delighted that the MSSSC has adopted the Royal British Legion as its charity and we look forward to working with them. The club and its new facilities are magnificent and they are such an asset to the local community. The 85th anniversary event on 1st September should be such a great event and will help us raise more money for our welfare work. Our Poppy Appeal coordinators Terry Webber and John Moloney have set a branch target of £40,000 for the current year’s Poppy Appeal.”
For more information, contact John Moloney on 07802 535591.
