The last few months of 2022 proved to be a busy time for the local branch of the Royal British Legion. November is taken up with the main fundraising event – the Poppy Appeal. Due to the continuing fantastic generosity of the people in Retford and Harworth and the surrounding villages over £36,000 has already been banked, with more donations still to be counted. 2022’s appeal was run by the Branch’s new Poppy Appeal Officer, Peter Pimperton, and Scott Harrison covered the Harworth area.
As ever they were assisted by a band of volunteers who distribute boxes and man the outlets in supermarkets. Help is also given by the army and air cadets and Scouts. Thanks go out to all those who helped in anyway, including the many businesses who are happy to display the boxes during the Appeal period. Peter’s wife Angela organised the Poppy Drop at the Town Hall which was made possible by the many donations of knitted and crochet poppies following an appeal on social media. Watch this space for an even bigger display next year.
Also during the period of remembrance, the Branch was able to hoist their new flag on one of the flagpoles in Kings Park. The purchase of the flag was made possible by a donation from Mervyn Tacy and Charity on Wheels. The flag can now be used annually and for other ceremonial events.
The period of remembrance culminated with the events on Retford’s Market Square and at Harworth Church on 13th November. The events were very well attended with many organisations laying wreaths at the War Memorial at the Retford event. Several youth organisations, schools, dignitaries and veterans were involved in the march past. A shorter act of remembrance took place in Retford on Armistice Day 11th November.
The Branch has also been involved in the planting of a tree at the Walks of Life Museum in Tuxford. The tree was planted by the Branch Vice Chair Julie Davis and was followed by the presentation of monies raised by the Museum for the Branch.
Christmas trees were displayed by the Branch at both the St Swithun’s Christmas Tree Festival and Grove Street Methodist Church’s Star Festival. A fitting tribute to the 40th anniversary of the end of the Falklands conflict in St Swithun’s, with thanks to Alan Campbell and family, and Felicity Ferriter and Angela Pimperton created an impressive display at the Star Festival.
The first fundraising event of 2023 will be a quiz night on Friday 17th March at Babworth Road Sports and Social Club. Watch out for further details.
The final Branch meeting of the year took place on Monday 5th December at the usual venue of Babworth Road Sports and Social Club. The next meeting is on Monday 6th February at 7.00pm, and this will be followed by a talk on The Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s care of local graves. All welcome.