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The Royal British LegionCornwall Legion News

Spring 2013

www.britishlegion.org.uk/counties/cornwall

Registered Charity Number: 219279

Read our exclusive interview with

Ian the Poppy Calls Fitter, CornwallINSIDE

The Royal British Legion Cornwall Legion News

Cornwall Legion NewsMarch 2013

“Service - not Self”

New Beginnings...� As we start a new year, we start a new chapterwithin the RBLin Cornwall by welcoming our new County Chairman SquadronLeader Shaun Pascoe, I’m sure you will support Shaun as hetakes on this new role. We also begin a new phase withinthe RBL as we move forward with the Pathway for Growthprogramme. We hope this will enable us to be recognised asthe No.1 provider of Welfare, Comradeship, Representation andRemembrance for the Armed Forces community. As withanything new, change can be difficult but with this restructureaimed at helping us work better together, it will ensure thatbeneficiaries are at the very heart of everything we do..

Vicki Bassett, CMA

www.rblcornwall.co.uk Page 03

CAMBORNEGREAT NEWS FOR CAMBORNE BRANCH� Camborne Branch had an amazingly successful yearin 2012. The Branch were successful in receiving thefollowing awards: John Ross Cup - In recognition of their efforts andprogress made throughout 2011.County Chairman’s Cup - In recognition of their sterlingefforts, enthusiasm and determination to further theaims of The Royal British Legion, within their local area in 2011.

Pictured from left to right: Ian Thompson, Ted Williams, Reggie Potts, John Hayes,John Gumm, Malcolm Bathcelor, Vincent Young & Eddie Bassett.

� Also, the evening of Friday 23 November saw the first major social event held by the Branchat Holman’s Social Club the Branch’s new meeting place and social venue. The evening wasa wonderful event attended by almost 100 people, during which time they enjoyed music,a comedian, pasty supper, a raffle and prize draw with a total of 34 prizes kindly donated bylocal businesses, Branch members and friends. A decent amount of money was also raised.This social event will now hopefully pave the way to many more functions to be hosted bythe Branch.

AIR TRAINING CORPS & ARMY CADET FORCE PRESENTATIONS� During January, Camborne RBL were delighted toattend parade nights for both 147 Sqn ATC and 12Platoon Camborne ACF during which time certificateswere awarded to those cadets who had assisted incollecting on behalf of the 2012 Poppy Appeal. Thecadets between them raised nearly £800, a fantasticachievement and a credit to those involved.

� On the same evenings two new shields donated byCamborne RBL were presented to each of the cadetforces.

Top right: The ATC were presented with a shield forBEST FLIGHT of the year and this was awarded toSgt Hanson. A further in-house shield was awardedto Sgt Adams for NCO of the year.

Bottom right: The ACF were awarded a shield forBEST CADET of the year which went to to Cpl Hewitt.

News from our Branches

County Manager’s Assistant: Vicki Bassett 01872 260577email: [email protected]

County Chairman: Sqn Ldr Shaun Pascoe 01872 260577

Produced by: The Design Place, 23 Mitchell Hill, Truro TR1 1EDTel: 01872 271414 email: [email protected]


CAMELFORD� Following the departure of Revd J B Evans,the Camelford Branch of the Royal BritishLegion has been without a Chaplain. Sincethen the Branch has discussed who they thinkwould be a suitable replacement. It wasagreed, unanimously, that we should inviteRevd John Henry Barfoot, an ex-Servicemanwho served in the Royal Air Force, to take theposition, and he most graciously agreed.

At the monthly meeting Revd John HenryBarfoot was formally introduced to the Branchand presented with the Branch’s Prayer Scarfby Mr Robin Moore, the Branch President.Revd Barfoot thanked all and said that hehoped to live up to the expectations of theBranch.

ST JUST - BERNARD NOW AN HONORARY LIFE MEMBER

� A Stalwart of St Just who has served as Presidentof the Branch and Club for the past 17 years hasbeen honoured with lifetime membership of theorganisation. Bernard Rees, 89, has been involvedwith the Branch and Club since 1974 in all Offices.He was presented with his award on the 27 October2012 by Former Cornwall County Chairman,Lieutenant Commander Clive Rawson, who alsostated that the Legion was very appreciative of allthe work Mr Rees had done.

Mr Rees who was appointed MBE in 2008 and previously given a Gold Badge by the Legion,is only the second member of St Just to receive the accolade. Life Membership isawarded to members who have given at least 10 years Meritorious and ConspicuousService and who also already hold a Gold Badge.

CHRISTMAS TREE EXHIBITION

� St Just Branch had a Christmas Tree Exhibition at theMethodist Church in St Just during December. All organisationswere invited to decorate a tree with a theme. Our theme was‘We Will remember Them’. As you can see from the picture, weremembered those who had fallen, but we also wanted toremember those who are still serving and who would be awayfrom their homes and families at Christmas.

22 trees were displayed and it was a huge success. We hope torepeat it again next year with a different theme.


LISKEARD� Liskeard Branch has had a busy periodsince the last CLN. We held our AGM inNovember and with much reluctance ourpresident Norman Pampling MBE decided tocall it a day after nearly 60 years with theRoyal British Legion. He joined the RBL in1953 and has been Chairman for 20 yearsand Branch President since 1995. The ClubChairman, Chrissie Henwood also decided tostand down after nearly 10 years in the job.We wish them both well for the future. Theywill both still serve as Committee memberson their respective Committees.

Pictured: Branch Chairman Trevor Newbury presenting Norman with a nice bottle of brandyand an engraved glass trophy.

TIDEFORD & ST GERMANSJUST LIKE BUSES

� Tideford and St Germans Branch did nothave any Junior members and then twocame along at the same time! Sue Murchthe Membership Secretary signed upCatherine Riozzi, age 14 and Wade Dyer,age 16 just in time for them to help with thepreparation of the Poppy Boxes. Catherinealready delivers the Branch Newsletter inher local area of St Germans and Wadefrom Tideford has volunteered to do someground maintenance at the Legion. TheBranch is delighted to have them on board- they think it's 'cool'!

SHE’S A TREASURE!

� Bridget Turner (right) was presentedwith a special wine glass, duly filled withsome red wine, when she retired from theTideford and St Germans Royal BritishLegion Branch Committee at their AGM.She has looked after the accounts for19 years and was thanked by theVice Chairman, Mandy Fleckney (left),and all the members for her loyalty andcommitment - the engraving on the glassread 'A Treasure of a Treasurer'.


TORPOINTROYAL NAVY SUBMARINE SCHOOL RAISE FUNDS FOR THE RBL

� Staff based at the Royal Navy Submarine School (RNSMS) within HMSRaleigh have presented the Royal British Legion with over £600 from thesale of specially commissioned pins for Remembrance Sunday.

The pins depict the well recognised Red Poppy together with a setof Dolphins, the coveted emblem of the Submarine Service. They wereoriginally commissioned by the Northern Ireland Branch of the Submariners Associationand have been on sale within the RNSMS for the past week. Proceeds from the salewere presented to Steve Lewis, Royal British Legion County Vice Chairman of Cornwall,following the school’s annual Remembrance Service.

Photograph: Crown Copyright 2012

CALLINGTON & DISTRICT

� Callington & District Royal British LegionChairman David Jones presenting a cheque to thePoppy Appeal Organiser Bob Wade for £695.39.The money was raised from the St. Mary’s ChurchRemembrance Concert, the St. Ive RemembranceService and the St. Mary’s Remembrance Service.

� Thank you to all who supported these events.

LOOEARMISTICE DAY CONTRIBUTION

� The children of Looe Primary School, aged between six and nineyears, produced their contribution to Armistice Day. Their fabulousdisplay is shown here.

� The children also attended the local service.

Bonaer Care HomeBonaer Care Home is a well established, family run, clean,

modern and comfortable nursing home located in the picturesqueseaside resort of Hayle, Cornwall. The home offers very high standards of care by friendly trained staff.

We aim to combine the finest professional care with luxury surroundings and excellent food.

For further information please give us a call or come and visit.

BONAER NURSING HOME, 17 Station Hill, Hayle, Cornwall TR27 4NGCONTACT: Mr or Mrs Metalle Tel: 01736 752090

Excellent 24 Hour Nursing Care��

Award WinningNursing Home


POPPY APPEALSPITFIRE BEAUTY LAUNCHES THIS YEAR’S COUNTY POPPY APPEAL

� On Thursday 25 October invited guests atRAF St Mawgan saluted the Past, Presentand Future… the theme for this year’sCounty Poppy Appeal Launch.

Against the iconic back drop of a replicaSpitfire, on this former wartime RAF Airfieldand operational military base, the DeputyLord Lieutenant of Cornwall Col. Tom Frenchlaunched this year’s annual campaign along

with Lieutenant Commander David BraineRN, who is perhaps better known as BBCSpotlight’s weather presenter.

The VIP’s were joined by school childrenfrom local schools who are members of HMSHEROES, an organisation that is composedof children whose parents are currentlyserving in our Armed Forces.

� With musical accompaniment by representatives from The City of Truro Pipes and Drums,and following the official launch, Squadron Leader Shaun Pascoe RAF, lead his team ofServing personnel on a Poppy Dash throughout Cornwall (see page 12). This entailed pullinga 6ft giant Poppy throughout the County, to both raise funds for the Poppy Appeal and toraise the profile of the Legion. The Servicemen pulled the giant Poppy the equivalent of sixmarathons - this equates to each service person’s life lost for every 500 metres covered.

Community Fundraiser Annie Binding said “Last years Appeal in Cornwall raised almost£470,000 - however, nearly all of that stayed in the County to provide support and welfarepayments to those Serving and ex-Service personnel in their hour of need”.

“The principles on which the Legion was founded remain as relevant today as they were inthe aftermath of World War I - in fact, they are to be found in the principles of the ArmedForces Covenant which the Legion recently helped pass into law.”

� Remembrance connects what has gone before with what lies ahead - if we learn byremembering, we can shape a better future.


POPPY APPEAL

DELABOLEVISIONS OF A BYGONE ERA

� A shop window in Delabole wastransformed during the Poppy Appealto tell a story of what families did forentertainment during World War II;board games, cinema, and a good oldsing-song.

CAMBORNEPOPPY APPEAL LAUNCH� On Saturday 27 October Camborne Branchheld their Poppy Appeal Launch in the TownSquare. The event was officially opened by Rev’dMike Firbank who began the proceedings byblessing the Standards and the work ofCamborne Branch during the Poppy Appeal.The occasion was ably assisted by the KernowPipes and Drums who turned out in greatnumbers to play alongside the committee andvolunteers in the square. The Camborne Army Cadets also turned out in force and collectedaround the town. The morning alone was a great success with a total of almost £1000 beingcollected, which set the benchmark for another great year.

POPPY APPEAL ON TARGET� This year’s Poppy Appeal has proved to be a further great success even exceeding lastyear’s total and is on target to surpass £15,330. This is a true testament to everyone involvedfrom the Camborne Branch in raising the much needed funds to help the work of the RoyalBritish Legion, which hopes to reach it’s target of £42 million this year.

POPPY SHOP OPENING� Monday 15 October saw the grand opening of Camborne Branch’s Poppy Shop.Once again one of the town’s businessmen Mr Jon Stoneman very kindly bequeathed one

of his premises to the Branch for a whole month.This allowed Mrs Pam Thompson (Poppy AppealOrganiser) the opportunity of even larger premisesthis year to stock and sell a variety of Poppy items onbehalf of the Branch’s Poppy Appeal.Pictured are Mr Jon Stoneman handing over the keysto the shop to Vincent Young (President, CamborneBranch) along with Mrs Jean Charman (Mayor ofCamborne) and Mrs Glynis Charlesworth (Chairmanof Camborne Chamber of Commerce).


MULLIONREADY FOR OPENING� Mullion Village Hall was transformed duringNovember for this year’s Poppy Appeal. MaryCooper-Brown PAO and her avid band of helpersdid a fantastic job in making the hall a colourfulattraction for many days during November.210 paintings were made for the PoppyCompetition, 160 of those just from the PrimarySchool. Thanks must go to all the volunteers whohelped to bring in customers for morning coffee,lunches and afternoon tea before events startedthat Saturday evening.

PELYNT & LANREATHPOPPY APPEAL CONCERT� A very well attended and successful Poppy AppealConcert was held on Saturday 27 October 2012 inPelynt Church. A total of £1,175 was raised andeveryone enjoyed a wonderful musical evening. Thepicture shows the Pelynt Male Voice Choir togetherwith the Pelynt School Choir who joined them to makethe event even more enjoyable. A total of £3180 wasraised, for the Poppy Appeal in a fortnight.

SALTASHOCTOBER COFFE MORNING

� The Branch had a coffee morning in the Wesley Chapel, followed by the Poppy AppealLaunch with a Festival of Remembrance. Many thanks to everyone who attended. The poppyappeal currently stands at £16005.42

SALTASH WAITROSE APPRECIATION� For collecting at Waitrose during the pastfew years, a Certificate of Appreciation waspresented to Mr Simon Lambert, Deputy StoreManager by Mr ‘Bill’ Dent, Saltash & DistrictBranch President and Poppy Appeal Organiser.Also present were Miss Lisa Dolly fromWaitrose Community Matters and Mr GordonRichards one of the Poppy Appeal collectors atWaitrose.

� Since the start of collecting 8 years ago over£26,566 has been raised for the Poppy Appeal.

POPPY APPEAL

www.rblcornwall.co.uk

PIRATES COLLECTION� On a sunny, but cold RemembranceSunday staff from the County Office alongwith four serving members from RNASCuldrose rolled out the collection boxes atthe Cornish Pirates RFU ChampionshipRound 9 match against Rotherham. Alongwith the Poppy Mascot the RBL teamensured the crowd ‘remembered them’whilst supporting their Service Personnel,and didn’t they just! The team raised astaggering £900.05 for the Poppy Appealand this was just from half-time andfull-time collections.

� A massive thank you to all involved!

� The Poppy Appeal Campaign has gonevery well considering the current financialclimate. Many areas are up on last year’stotals with Cornwall as a whole showing7.96% year to date. However, we are onlypost Poppy Appeal by three months andmany organisers have various eventsplanned over the next few months, whichI am sure will bring us above last year’stotals. The County has shown increasedtotals year on year over the last three years- so fingers crossed for a 4th year running!This year’s Appeal coincided with schoolholidays; this saw an increase in visitors tothe County which could explain why manyPAO’s were actually running out of stock!

� With the retirement of key players NickBuckley, Head of Poppy Appeal and ColinDrew, Aylesford Warehouse Manager, wesee the start of modernisation of theWarehouse Operation at Aylesford. The newWarehouse Manager (who has come fromAmazon UK) will be looking at how stock isallocated around the Country, as it wouldappear that the present system is somewhatarchaic - and could be the reason for stockshortages.

� All five newly appointed 1st time PoppyAppeal Organisers in Cornwall have shownan area increase. Amazingly, each andevery one of them have increased PoppyAppeal totals for their areas by as much as90% - ASTONISHING!! As well as havingthe Military Wives Choir singing at half-time,slap bang in the middle of a Rugby Pitch,raising nearly £2,000!, we had anappearance on Sunday Morning BreakfastTV, with presentations from a Spitfire Pilot,and the CFR lying through her teeth at a‘Would I Lie to You’ panel game. Well doneto all of them for being so adventurous withtheir Poppy Appeal.

� After more than 20 years as PAO forHelston, Fred Pascoe has decided to hangup his PAO Badge and retire from the ‘Job’.He will however continue in his role ofCounty Vice President. Fred’s whole familyhave been involved in supporting the PoppyAppeal and even remember a time whenthey all sat around at home fixing the leavesonto the Poppies by hand. How times havechanged!

Annie Binding, CFR

POPPY APPEAL

Copyright: Simon Bryant, Cornish PiratesPhotographer.

Poppy Appeal Update


� If you were drivingaround Cornwall at theend of October/beginningof November, you mayhave come across anunusual sight! Brainchildof the County ChairmanSqn Ldr Shaun Pascoe,teams from the Army,Navy and Royal Air Forcepulled a 6ft x 5ft Poppyaround the highways andbyways of the Duchy as a mark ofRemembrance and to raise awareness of theimportant work of the Royal British Legion.

The teams covered the equivalent of sixmarathons over six days. Sobering, each 500metres covered along the Poppy Dash routewas equal to every Service person’s life lostto date in Afghanistan. The event was kindlysupported by Dash SW who provided a minivan during the week-long event to supportthe team and to provide back up.

The Poppy Dash eventually made it to Truroon Saturday 3 November to a crowd ofwell-wishers and The CuldRoses, Cornwall’sown Military Wives Choir on Lemon Quay.Sadly the heavens opened just as the teamcame into the City, however, undeterred theymade their way to the crowds of Lemon

Quay before members ofthe Riders Branch escortedthem to the War Memorialon Boscawen Street wherea wreath was laid.Thankfully the weatherdried up and TheCuldRoses managed toperform a number ofsongs which no doubtbrought tears to the eyesof many passers by.

Despite this being an act of Remembrance,the week long event raised £2113! I think it isfair to say that Shaun and his team’s effortsdidn’t go unnoticed. With constant updateson Facebook and Twitter and support fromBBC Spotlight, the story of the team’sprogression certainly was told. One ofthe team’s members worked out thatapproximately 90,000 people would haveseen the Poppy during the week’s events!

� Huge thanks must go to all those involvedin this remarkable event and to all thoseBranches and volunteers who came out tofeed the teams!

Pictured above: Day 2, arrival in Newquay.Below left: One of the team on the road.Below right: Lemon Quay, Truro.

The Poppy Dash


Baby Bassett� It is with great excitement that I must inform you all that I am

expecting a baby due on the 9th May! With time passing by soquickly, I’m sure her arrival will be here before we know it, soI thought I would take the opportunity to thank you all for allyour contributions to the CLN since I took it over almost twoyears ago. I will be going on Maternity leave during April andso this sadly will be my last CLN for the next 12months!Please continue to send in your stories to Emma who I’m surewill pass on to the relevant person. As I venture into the world

of motherhood I wish you all a very successful 2013.

Vicki

News from County OfficeFestival of Remembrance� The Festival of Remembrance 2012 DVD is now available forsale on the Poppy Shop. Price is £10.75 and postage is £2.95,however we are offering The Poppy Days book FREE for everyorder over £25 (includes postage).

If our supporters, members and volunteers do not want toorder online they can call the following number - 0300 1239110 and order over the phone.

Easter CardsBranded Easter Cards(packs of 8) are alsoavailable on thePoppy Shop.

66 Lemon Street waves goodbyeto County Manager� As many of you are aware from our feature in theRemembrance issue, Keith Naylor County Manager,has said his farewells and has retired from the Legion.As you can imagine we will all miss him very much butwe shall carry on! If you do have issues that you wouldnormally speak with Keith about then please do nothesitate in contacting the County Office where the teamwill endeavour to answer any questions you may have.

Keith pictured with his wife Liz.


� The Cornwall Royal British Legion Riders Branch called inat Tideford Legion with 21 bikes one Saturday morning.They were greeted by Mandy Fleckney the Tideford &St Germans Branch Vice-Chairman and Sue Murch theMembership Secretary who served them with teas, coffeesand biscuits before waving them off on their way. Theyvisited every Legion Club in the County, completing theirRide Out at Newlyn that evening. This is an annualfundraising event which also helps raise awareness of thework of the Legion. Their Captain Steve Allen said they had agreat day and was delighted with the support he got from his

members.

They certainly made animpressive sight as theyset off in convoy alongthe A38. One man andhis machine was leftbehind with a flat batterybut villagers were ableto produce a set of jumpleads and soon got himgoing so he could catchup with the others asthey headed towardsTywardreath.

Pictured outside Tideford& St Germans Club

Cornwall Riders Branch RIDE OUT


Falklands Trip� After an eight hour delay at AscensionIsland due to bad weather in the FalklandIslands, we were met by our host families on8 November, who looked after us for theweek.

On the Friday we had an early start and weretransported in a group of 20 Land Rovers toSan Carlos Cemetery travelling through ahowling blizzard!! We awaited the arrival ofthe Duke of Kent (by helicopter!), and after ashort service he placed his wreath followed bythe veterans. I laid our HMS Ardent wreath onbehalf of our Association. Over the next fewdays our hosts and drivers took us to all themain battle sites plus wildlife sightseeing.

On Monday 12, arrangements were made forme to travel by ferry to HMS Ardent’s restingplace. I was accompanied by two ex-HMSYarmouth’s crew who actually helped torescue us when we sank, and came for moralsupport.

Father Peter (the Roman Catholic priest ofStanley, an ex-Submariner) came and gave amoving short service. I laid another wreathand threw Poppy petals onto the water.Following this we were taken to Goose Green.

We also paraded on Remembrance Sunday tothe Cross of Sacrifice, where the FalklandIslanders who lost their lives in the First andSecond World Wars are remembered. We alsoparaded to the Memorial commemoratingthose who lost their lives during the liberationof the Islands in 1982. Each name was readout which took almost 15 minutes.

� A trip I will never forget especially the waythe Islanders could not thank us enough forwhat we did all those years ago, and they areso determined to remain British.

Peter Rowe, Launceston Branch President


Royal British Legion Annual ConferenceCounty Hall, Truro - Sunday 13 January 2013

� The 92nd AnnualCornwall RBL CountyConference took place inthe Council Chamber ofCounty Hall, Truro onSunday 13 January 2013,and not only played hostto a substantial numberof Delegates and theirguests from around theCounty, but a newlyelected County Chairman, Squadron LeaderShaun Pascoe MSc PMRAFNS.

This prestigious event in the RBL calendarwas celebrated in fine style with BranchStandard Bearers lining the Council Chamberas the honoured guests and VIP’s took theirseats in preparation for the afternoon’sevents. Col E Bolitho OBE, the Legion CountyPresident, welcomed the Guest Speaker,Sapper Lyndon Chatting-Walters, who gavean extremely emotive and inspirationalpresentation on his life in the Service, hisinjuries sustained in combat and theassistance the Legion had provided himduring his long road to recovery.

Apart from the normal AGM business, theDelegates were able to present questionsto the Membership Council Representative,Mr R Garratt on issues close to their hearts;the Membership.

Amongst the manyawards presented, theCounty Chairman award-ed the County Chairman’sStandard Cup. This yearthe very worthy recipientswere The Design Place,headed by Mr AlanBrooke. The team haveformed great relationswith TRBL Cornwall in

recent years, and in doing so aidedthe Legion immensely both locally andnationally. They have provided the CornwallBranches and Clubs with an opportunity toenhance awareness and advertise the greatwork they do. Moreover the team havesupplied Cornwall RBL with a professionalpublication providing an outlet to helpspread the good work of the Legion.

� The annual County Conference is a majorshop window for the Legion’s work andmission in the County and gives themembership an opportunity of renewing theirtieswith their colleagues from other Branchesthroughout Cornwall. As the leading charityfor safeguarding the interests, welfare andmemory of those who have served in theArmed Forces, particularly relevant at thistime with our Forces currently serving inAfghanistan, it is a golden opportunity ofcelebrating all that is good about the RoyalBritish Legion.

Photographs:

Top: County Conference(Copyright RAF St Mawgan)

Far left: Chairman’s Cuppresentation

Left: Guest Speaker, SapperLyndon Chatting-Walters


Poppy Calls InterviewIan Woodhead reveals all about the Poppy Calls Service

� What did you do before taking upemployment with the Legion?

I served in the Royal Navy (Fleet Air Arm -Aircraft Handler) for 34 years. I joined as aJunior Naval Airman 2nd Class in 1972 andretired from the Navy in 2006 as WarrantOfficer 1st Class. On retiring from the Servicein 2006 I did voluntary work before taking upthe post with the RBL/Poppy Calls in October2008.

� What was your understanding of theRoyal British Legion?

Not as much then as I do now! As a servingMatelot (Sailor) my understanding was limitedto knowledge about the RBL Social Clubs,which I used to frequent. As a young sailor Iwas often detailed off to march at theCenotaph on Remembrance Sunday and attimes, if I was really lucky, I would attend theRoyal Albert Hall for the RemembranceService. Regrettably, like many from mygeneration I associated the RBL with buying aPoppy and drinking in the local RBL Club.However, I now realise there is a whole lotmore to the RBL than just wearing the Poppy!Much, much more!

� What were your expectations ofworking within ‘Poppy Calls’?

This may sound a bit cheesy but I reallywanted to help improve people’s lives. I knew,having spoken to members of the Ex-Forcescommunity, that there was, and still remains,a need and demand for a ‘Handy Person’service; the voluntary work I did before I tookup post proved this. I am responsible to ahigher authority as a Poppy Calls Fitter, we allare, but as Cornwall’s Handy Person Fitter I amvery much left to my own devices. I’m incharge of what I do. I’m given the training, thevan, the kit, the common-sense (I had that bitalready) to deliver a professional, safe andreliable service to the beneficiaries’ ofCornwall. To a certain degree it feels like I’mgiving something back to those men andwomen that proudly served this great Country

and County we all live in. I feel a great senseof pride and satisfaction when I’ve helpedsomeone regardless of the job. I learnt veryearly on that there are no silly jobs. There isalways a valid reason as to why you’redoing the job and that reason is simple; thebeneficiary needs help. I am proud to say thatI provide that help.

� Briefly describe a ‘day in the life’ of aPoppy Calls Fitter.

Every day is different; notwo days are the same,even if it’s the same task.Why? Because I’m visit-ing different people. Myday(s) are planned inadvance, normally theweek before. All my jobsare co-ordinated by thecontroller responsible formy area, Debbie Lane;who is located at PoppyCalls Headquarters(PCHQ) in Huntingdon.Referrals are receivedfrom either a Caseworker, Case Coordinator(Adult Social Care), the County Office Truro, selfreferral or through a friend or member of thefamily. Anyone can make a referral by phoning01480 423895.

Jobs are then conveyed to me, via email, to mylaptop or if it is a short notice job I will receive acall. Having noted the details I usually make aninitial assessment to identify if purchases ofmaterial are required. Contact is then made withthe beneficiary informing them of my suggestedETA. On arrival, a further assessment is alwayscompleted to ensure that the correct equipmentis at hand. I drive the length and breadth of theCounty to deliver the 100% accountable service.The job can be protracted or merely simplychanging a light bulb. It could take me twominutes or two hours to travel to the job (I alsoget called to cover Plymouth) or just twominutes or two hours to undertake the work, butany job is just as important as the next.


Throughout the job it is sometimes obvious thatother work needs to be completed; therefore, iftime permits and it is within my remit, I willensure that all the work is undertaken to avoida return visit. Following completion, I willensure that all relevant information regardingthe job is logged and sent to my controller.Depending on the type and length of time ittakes me to complete a job, I could have up tofive plus jobs in a day.

� Who is eligible for ‘Poppy Calls’ assistance?

This is a very good question, and it alwaysamazes me of the amount of people out there inCornwall who think that they are not eligible for

the service because he orshe only did NationalService!!! These areexactly the people thatthe service was createdfor. Anyone who hascompleted seven dayspaid Service in the ArmedForces (either 70 yearsago or seven weeks ago)qualifies for Poppy Callsassistance, includingtheir spouse/partner anddependents (up to age of18). Additionally, those

individuals who completed National Service orServed within a conflict zone in the Royal FleetAuxiliary or Merchant Navy also qualify.Eligibility for any RBL assistance is based on anindividual basis and that individual does nothave to be a member of the Royal British Legionto qualify.

� What is the most difficult part of your job?

The job was created to provide a low levelmaintenance service. That basically means I dothe jobs around the home that people cannot doany more, either through age or disability orthey just haven’t got the tools or wherewithal todo the work. The job in its self is not difficult.However, there are some practical constraintsthat occasionally prevent me from carrying outthe job. In particular, when the beneficiary is,perhaps, given the wrong information aboutwhat Poppy Calls is capable of achieving.I would suggest the hardest part is spreading

the word about the service and making peopleaware that they don’t have to struggle toreplace the light bulb that they can no longerreach; why risk harming yourself by falling offthe chair when you could have picked up thephone to Poppy Calls? Beneficiaries shouldnever feel guilty about making the call, it is theirentitlement.

� What is the most enjoyable part of your job?

Simple - I enjoy my job. I like meeting thepeople and achieving the aims of the job inhand, along with the many challenges facedalong the way. I enjoy being part of TeamCornwall (the County Office Team) and I enjoybeing part of ‘Team Poppy Calls’. It’s a goodorganisation to work for; out of one uniforminto another - love it.

� If you were given the opportunity tochange any aspect of your job, what wouldit be and why?

A high top van like the one I used to have. Sadly,I keep banging my head on the new one!My own fault though, I need to slow down andswitch on. On a serious note, there is very littleI would change about my job.

Whilst I do believe the Legion has an upwardstruggle to change the public perception of whowe are and what we are able to provide, if I wasable to make positive changes it would be toeffectively create a media campaign raisingthe awareness of Poppy Calls. As an example,a leaflet advertising the service but alsoincorporating a photograph of the ‘fitter’specific to the county/area with contact details.This could be seen to act as a pre-notification ofwho to expect at the appointment and, perhaps,provide the client with a sense of security(amongst other things).

For more information about the Poppy Callsservice please contact the County Office:

The Royal British Legion, 66 Lemon Street,Truro, Cornwall TR1 2PN.Telephone: 01872 260577or Email: [email protected]


It is with great sadness that the RBLCornwall announces the deaths of thefollowing Royal British Legion members:

v Surgeon Vice Admiral Sir GodfreyMilton-Thompson KBE. KStJ. President ofthe Menheniot Branch.

Sir Godfrey passed away peacefully athome on the 23 September 2012 aged 82,with his close family around him. He took ashort service commission in 1955. His firstappointment was Malta and on his returnto England was appointed Assistant MOat Chatham Dockyard. He took a regularcommission and specialised as a physician.Spells of duty followed in Plymouth andagain in Malta. He was appointed asProfessor of Naval Medicine and elected aFellow of the Royal College of Physicians.His chosen field was Gastroenterology andspecifically the serious condition ofDuodenal Ulcers from which many peopleat that time were dying. He formed and leda research team which contributed greatlyto the development of drugs such as Zantac,which have now all but eliminated thisdeadly condition.

He was promoted through the ranks ofSurgeon Captain and Surgeon Commodore.In 1982 he was appointed as Queen’sHonorary Physician. At the same time hehad the responsibility as Deputy MedicalDirector General for organising the medicalsupport for the Falklands taskforce and thetraining of the doctors who travelled withit. This task he carried out with greatdistinction and in 1984 he was promoted to

Rear Admiral (the third member of thefamily to achieve flag rank). He succeededto the rank of Surgeon General, the Chief ofall Defence Medical Services and wasknighted in 1988.

In 1989 he was made a Knight of the Orderof St. John, making a huge contributionover the next 20 years and served asChairman of the St. John Council forCornwall, which runs the Ambulance andFirst Aid training, for over 10 years. TheOrder funds and maintains St. John EyeHospital in Jerusalem. Sir Godfrey servedwith distinction as the Hospitaller of thehospital charity. His funeral donations werefor this cause realising over £2000.

On his retirement he supervised the restora-tion in Menheniot Churchyard, the tomb ofCapt. John Richards Lapenotiere, theCaptain of HMS Pickles who brought thenews of the Battle of Trafalgar to England.

We salute him and mourn his passing.

v The Tintagel Branch are sad to reportthe passing of Mr. D. Hamer, BranchChairman, at the age of 83. Derek hadbeen the Chairman since 1997. He was adedicated member of the Legion andworked hard to keep the Branch in thepublic eye until his illness in the last twoyears, which he braved very well. Derekserved in the Royal Navy of which he wasvery proud. During his illness he wassupported by Jean and our sympathies andprayers go to her and the rest of the family.

We will remember them


v Mrs S Mudge, Mrs M Lowe,Mr A Law and Rev’d B Kinsmewall of Padstow Branch

v Mr R Mitchell and Mr S Hooper both ofWadebridge Branch

v Mr L Clarke of Saltash & District Branch

v Mr E Boddy of Bodmin Branch

v Mr M Solt, Mr L Butters and Mr T Pageall of Looe Branch

v Mr B Fishlock, Mr B Mason andMr B Bradley all of Truro Branch

v Mr J Barson, Mr T Lawrance andMrs I Potter all of Stithians Branch

v Mr D Richards, Mr W Poulton,Mr D Turtle and Mr A Donaldson all ofNewlyn West Branch

v Mr W Thomas of St Just Branch

v Mr C Bellamy of Pelynt & LanreathBranch

v Mr J Honywill of Liskeard Branch

v Mr P Conway of Launceston Branch

v Mr R Clark of Bude & Stratton Branch

v Mr F Reed of Delabole Branch

Our sincere condolences go toall their families and friends.

On behalf of the County Chairman and Committee please accept our sincere thanksfor the following very kind donations made to either the Welfare Fund (WF),

Poppy Appeal (PA) or General Fund (GF):

Tywardreath Branch £500 WF

Perranwell StationBranch £316.54 WF

Funeral - Mr Pond £205.54 WF

Funeral -Rev Barrington £220 WF

Tresillian and Lamorran £20 WF

St Just Branch £2,000 WF

Wadebridge Branch £250 WF

Penponds £35 WF

RNA £50 WF

Launceston Branch £500 WF

Newquay Branch £1,000 WF

St Austell Branch £500 WF

Torpoint Branch £1,000 WF

Padstow Branch £200 WF

Looe Branch £1,000 WF

Donations Received

We will remember them


v The village of Barripper was transported backto the Second World War during November. TheChapel was decorated with bunting for a 1940'safternoon Tea Dance attended by around 80people. There was a raffle, a wartime cake auc-tion and Pamela Ironside and her daughter fromRedruth gave ballroom dancing demonstrationsand lessons. Members of the WWII Re-enactmentSouth West displayed ‘Home Front’. Re-enactorsand members of the public dressed in an array ofwartime uniforms and civilian dress.

Refreshments of sandwiches, cake and tea and coffee was provided. An impressive range ofmilitary vehicles were on display, including a 1942 Dodge Ambulance, a Dodge ArmouredPersonnel Carrier, a 1939 Naffi Van, a Gaz Russian Army Jeep, a Willy's 1944 Jeep, a WartimeMilitary Motorcycle, and a Russian Command Vehicle. Rosettes up to sixth place and awinners cup saw Trevelyan Drew take first prize for his Dodge Personnel Carrier, Chris Dunnwith his motorcycle, Sharon Dunn with her Gaz, and Bertie the Naffi van owned by Liz andSteve Lane in fourth place. In the evening the St Michael's Mount Inn was the scene for a‘Swing Jive’ where people danced all evening. A lovely buffet was laid on and a loose changewhip round took place at the end of the evening. £157.13 was raised for the Royal BritishLegion Camborne Branch.

Barripper 1940’s Tea Dance

A day to rememberby the Late Mrs Ann Reed of Helston

I think we should remember those boys of long ago,who joined the ranks and went away to fight against the foe.

Their bravery outstanding it cannot be compared,and widows left behind them with just memories they shared.

We cannot just forget them they’re heroes every one,they do much for their homeland father-brother-son.

So every year it comes around a day we much remember,so buy a poppy, and lay a wreath, on the 11th of November.

The Royal British Legionbranches.britishlegion.org.uk/media/2770264/clnspring...Forces Covenant...

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