Adam Brown adbrown@britishlegion.org.uk M: 07795 611494 Page 1

SOMERSET SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

RBL Silent Soldier 1914–1918 Lest We Forget

IN SUPPORT OF nearly 1.1 million British and Empire service men and women were killed during the First World War before the guns finally fell silent on Armistice Day 11 November 1918. The Royal British Legion is keen to ensure that we pay our respects to those who gave so much. The Surrey RBL started the Poppies on Lampposts scheme in 2014 across the county, and every year we see thousands appear as we remember those who gave so much. We will see many more appearing across Surrey as we show our respect in 2018. The RBL will be inviting sponsors for the SILENT SOLDIER seen in the photos below. These Silent Soldiers will appear across country as we commemorate the end of WW1. They will appear on buildings, gardens, fields, roundabouts and many other places, companies, individuals can join the Nation to remember and have a Silent Soldier proudly on display. The RBL is sure that British communities will come together in all sorts of different ways to reflect and remember the huge sacrifice that so many people made during those war years. The Silent Soldier will be one of Somerset's tributes and to remember Silently. It is planned that the Silent Soldier will be seen on roundabouts, gardens, churches, fields, buildings and many other sites across Somerset. RBL Somerset are asking companies, businesses, churches, local authorities, private individuals and other well-known establishments to purchase a silent soldier and place them ready for the commemoration of the WW1 period. is will start in Surrey spreading across the country uring November 2017 and end in December 2018. There are 1000s roundabouts across Somerset many re sponsored by business and many are owned by local authorities. There are fields of corn, fields that are viewable from the road, and buildings and church yards. The Legion itself has many clubs and branches that will have a Silent Soldier appear on a prominent site. The Silent Soldier can be fixed to buildings and walls and will appear as troops did between 1914-1918 when returning home “silently”. The Silent Soldier is a mark of respect to the many who lost their life and never returned home. The Royal British Legion is marking the centenary of the First World War from 2014 to 2018 with commemorations and projects in the UK and Republic of Ireland with a focus on Remembrance, education and legacy. The “War to End All Wars” marks the 100th anniversary of the First World War, which began on July 28 1914 and lasted until November 11 1918. By the time the guns fell silent 10-million soldiers were dead World War I changed the world forever and we still feel

its effect to this day. We are asking everyone in Somerset to have a Silent Soldier appear quietly and show our respect The Silent Soldier comes complete with a post, screws and your name at the bottom as seen in the photo example. Cost businesses £250 each including P&P. Individuals please contact me.

For further information please contact:

Adam Brown CFR Somerset

Email: adbrown@britishlegion.org.uk

Tel: 07795611494

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SOMERSET LOCAL NEWS

Somerset Admiral Nurses The Admiral Nurse team in Somerset has been in action since November 2015. The team has seen a steady increase in referrals and are supporting families across Somerset, North Somerset and Banes area. What is an Admiral Nurse?

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who give much-needed practical and emotional support to family carers, as well as the person with dementia. They offer support to families throughout their experience of dementia that is tailored to their individual needs and challenges. They provide families with the knowledge to understand the condition and its effects, the skills and tools to improve communication and provide emotional and psychological support to help family carers carry on caring for their family member. They are able to take on complex cases and provide specialist support and advice.

Meet the Team

Saul Mason – Admiral Nurse Lead

“I served three years in the Royal Army Medical Corps, after which I did my nurse training in Colchester. I qualified in 1993. I have worked in various roles within the NHS and private sector and for more than a decade have worked caring for people living with dementia. I have been an Admiral Nurse since the end of 2013 and can’t imagine doing anything else now. I like keeping fit and always have a book on the go.”

Vicki Redmond-Fitzgerald – Admiral Nurse

My role as an Admiral Nurse has provided me with the most fulfilling and rewarding job I have ever had and both my job and my family serve as a constant reminder that life is forever moving and changing and pleasure should be found in the moment wherever possible.”

Emma McErlean – Admiral Nurse

“I have been a Royal British Legion Admiral Nurse since August 2016 and was the latest member to join the Somerset Team.

I qualified as a Registered General Nurse in 1998 and have worked in a variety of settings, 11 years of which I spent in the Royal Navy as a Queen Alexandra Royal Naval Nurse.

I have a keen interest in rugby union and enjoy walking with my husband and 2 dogs Bruno and Mo.”

Petra Soper – Admiral Nurse Administrator

“I have been with the British Legion for almost 10 years now and previously worked with Devon and Cornwall Team. I have been with the Admiral Nurses since November 2015.

I love reading but most of my spare time is taken up by having fun with my 6 year old who loves coming to any events with me and enjoys helping.”

Referral Details

If you know of anyone who is eligible then please do not hesitate to contact our Administrator Petra on the following email address psoper@britishlegion.org.uk or alternatively call her direct on 01823 218443 and she will be happy to discuss the referral process.

To be eligible for our free service, either the carer or the person with dementia has to have done a minimum of 7 days paid service in any of the armed forces – National Service counts too! It’s OK if they can’t remember their service details in full, we can find that information out.

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SOMERSET LOCAL NEWS

Toby Carvery joins the Legion Toby Carvery’s 167 UK restaurants have been offering a donation of 25p to the Legion for every Jam and Coconut sponge pudding sold as well as getting their staff and customers involved in fundraising activities. They also provided Veterans free meals on Armed Forces day. To celebrate the successful launch of their partnership, Toby Carvery is now offering Legion staff and members 2 for £10 vouchers until 30th August* To claim this, simply download the Toby Carvery App and register using the promotional code ‘RBL’. You will also receive another 33% off voucher just for registering! Mike Aldridge, Retail Operations Manager at Mitchells and Butlers and former Royal Marine, said: “I’m delighted that Toby Carvery will be working with The Royal British Legion as our chosen charity partner over the next two years. Many of our guests and team members have personal connections to the Legion and we understand the great work they do to support active and veteran members of the Armed Forces and their families. As a former Royal Marine, I believe this is a great partnership between two brands that have similar values, and I know that the Toby guest community will enjoy the various fundraising events and activities we have planned, such as Veterans’ Breakfast and Remembrance Collections.”

*Offer not available on Sundays or Bank Holidays. Please see full T&Cs on the voucher.

Online ordering issues. Please when ordering on line when you place items in your basket wait until you have completed your full order before going to the checkout and sending it to Aylesford.

There is currently a week delay in getting orders out due to PAO's placing several orders instead of one large order. If you have placed an item in the basket it will stay there until you have either removed it or gone through the checkout procedure of confirming your address and choosing the date for delivery.

Cadets. Please can I ask again if you use any of the cadets for collecting in your districts that you inform me at the end of the appeal how much has been raised by them and what unit they are I need to pass this information on.

Email: adbrown@britishlegion.org.uk

Tel: 07795611494

Contact during the Appeal. Please can I ask if you are in need of contacting me during the Poppy Appeal that you either text or email me. Last year I had 89 voice mails that I had not got round to responding to at the end of the appeal. As I am driving most days during the appeal. I will not answer my phone whilst driving.

Email: adbrown@britishlegion.org.uk

Text: 07795611494.

The current Somerset Poppy Appeal Total stands at £889.848.65 that’s £9000 up on last year well done everyone.

Weston Beach Race 2017 Weston Beach race is one of the most demanding tests for both man and machine. We have two local North Somerset Lads taking part to raise money for the Poppy Appeal. Mark Lovell is the Somerset County Vice Chairs son and his friend Paul Sharp.

They are trying to raise £1000 between them so if you can support them visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/longunbeachrace or text WBMX84 to 70070 to donate via your mobile phone.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Design, print and distribution by RBLI. Royal British Legion Industries Print & Mail Division T: 01372 389940 E: info@rbli-pmf.com

The Royal British Legion Pub Quiz is back with brand new questions! We had great feedback from the pilot in March, with participants saying it was the best pub quiz they had ever done and pub landlords finding it attracted first time customers to their pubs. This September, we are launching the Pub Quiz to ask supporters to host theirs in November. From tin foil towers to taste test relays, this Pub Quiz is a twist on the traditional classic. We need your help to get the word out and ask people to take part in this fantastic fundraiser. It would be great if you could speak to pubs in your local area to ask them to host this Pub Quiz for the Legion, but it’s not just for pubs - anyone can get involved!

Any income banked from Pub Quizzes into Poppy Appeal accounts will stay there, but will need to be coded correctly so we can accurately track the income. Please ensure that you let us know how much the Pub Quizzes that you recruited in your area raised by completing the relevant section in your statement of accounts in December. If the quiz proves successful, we can continue providing you with this exciting and all inclusive fundraising tool in the future.

Hosts can register online or call to receive a free pack which contains everything you need to host a Pub Quiz: www.britishlegion.org.uk/pubquiz or call 0333 011 4500.

Bristol Poppy Ball at The City Marriott Hotel 18th November - Tickets: £485 (Table of 10) / £55 pp www.bristolpoppyball.co.uk BOOK NOW!

Volunteering for the Legion The Royal British Legion aims for every volunteer to have a first class experience when volunteering with us. In order to improve the way we continue to support our volunteers we are asking you to take part in a short survey. This is completely anonymous – no names or contact details are required. This is your chance to give us your views and suggestions about volunteering for the Legion. The survey is available online at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/2017-legion-volunteer-survey. Paper copies are available on request either by emailing volunteersupport@britishlegion.org.uk or calling 0808 802 8080. The survey closes on 30 November. Please do take the time to take part and encourage Collectors to also take part.

POPPY RUNS If you fancy something a little more active, why not sign up for one of our Poppy Runs?

These family-friendly 5K runs will be taking place in 15 parks across the country from 28th October to 5th November. Runners of all ability levels are welcome – even dogs can join the fun!

If the Poppy Run locations aren’t right for you, but you’d still like to take part, we’ve got you covered with My Poppy Run– you choose the time, location and distance.

Whether you run, jog or walk, the Poppy Run is a great opportunity to get moving and join with others in shared Remembrance of the fallen. And while you’re at it, you’ll be raising much needed funds to help support members of the Forces family in need.

REGIONAL EVENTS Challenge events: Raising funds for The Poppy Appeal 2018 :-

3rd June 2018 Canonteign Waterfalls 220ft Abseil, Devon Entry: £20 pp Sponsorship £150 pp (Min age: 16yrs)

10th June 2018 Hardy Monument 72ft Abseil, Dorset Entry: £10 pp Sponsorship £100 pp (Min age: 8 yrs)

24th June 2018 It's A Knockout, Bristol Team Entry: £120 Team Sponsorship: £600 (Min age: 16 yrs) Sunday 8th July 2018 Dragon Boat Event, Plymouth Team Entry: £170 Team Sponsorship: £750 (team size up to 17 people) (min age: 12 yrs) 15th - 19th Sept 2018 Castaway Survival Challenge - mystery beach location Entry: £40 pp Sponsorship: £550 pp Only 24 places available (min age: 18 yrs)

3rd - 10th March 2019 Arctic Survival Challenge Entry: £200 pp Sponsorship £2,500 pp Only 15 places available (min age: 18 yrs)