The Royal British Legion Central Brittany

Branch members out and about, enjoying themselves and raising funds

Trip to Jersey ... On 15th October, 18 members of the Branch went on an overnight trip to Jersey. Despite the early start (7am at St Malo) everyone travelled on the one hour journey in great spirits. The party received good news the day before they left when the travel company, Bontours, told them they had been upgraded to the 3-star Hotel Revere in St Helier. As can be seen from the pictures, a good time was had by all, the only complaint being: "Why didn't we book that extra night?"

Four of the Branch's hard working members: from the left Dave Belston, the "unofficial" RBL photographer, with his wife Sandra along with Steve and Sandra Wake	This happy foursome, enjoying their fish and chip supper are from the left: Michael and Elly Riley with Lin and Betty Totty who turned out to be the undisputed Star of the trip

Barbara Eastwood, Branch Social Secretary, with her husband Harry who had just discovered that Jersey had a B&Q Store!	Sandra Wake taking the easy way out of the Royal British Legion, Jersey Branch

Sandra Belston having fun with "Hissing Sid"	And finally, the photo everyone on the trip was waiting for and proof of what a great time Betty Totty had in Jersey. Here she is pictured with Paul, owner of the famous Hectors Fish & Chip Restaurant in St Helier. Betty tried very hard to get Paul into her suitcase to bring him back to Brittany. But he just would not fit!
Troc & Puces, October ... Sunday 4th was our most successful Troc & Puces to date. It is thought that we raised around 1,000 euros (yet to be confirmed by the Treasurer) thanks to a great deal of hard work by many of our members some of whom are pictured below

Pat and Jimmy Rowe sold over 200 euros worth of items donated by members and friends (a lot of which had to be collected from all over Brittany). On the left is our Standard Bearer, Dave Ball, who entertained many of the visitors for most of the day	Volunteer, Doreen Bradbury, who worked tirelessly throughout the event on behalf of the Poppy Appeal, selling Poppy Items and running the raffle

Branch stalwarts John and Shirley Dearden, who once again manned the door from 9:00am to 3:00pm meeting and greeting more than 250 entrants	Joan Wills (on right) with, Sandra Wake, organiser of the refreshments. (Not shown but working tirelessly in the kitchen were head cook and bottlewasher, Steve Wake, and his pal Geoff)

American-style BBQ ... The evening sun shone down on 50 RBL members and friends as they gathered for an American-style BBQ on Saturday 4th July at the Manoir du Quengo, Rohan. Guests were treated to a welcome drink, a plentiful buffet-style BBQ followed by apple pie & ice cream and a choice of rum punch or coffee provided by Manoir-owner Lyn and her girls.

One of our older members, Ken Neve, entertained us with a selection of music to sing and dance to and was aided by his brother who had flown in from the UK especially for the event. Some jolly members took a turn around the hay-bales.

Highlight of the evening, apart from the solo dance by Steve Wake, was the free Grand Quiz and its 25 prizes. Top prize-winners for the evening were Charles & Hazel Dewhirst who left carrying a bottle of Grants Whisky as well as the Ladies raffle prize of a bottle of Champagne. Another bottle of Champagne was won by Dave Totty (Friend of the RBL); Grants Whisky also went to Bill & Helen Wise and Sandra Humphries; and our treasurer, Don Dykes, 'staggered' out carrying his prize of a box of Stella Artois.

During a quiet moment during the frivolities the organiser, Social Secretary Barbara, took a few moments to put away a whopping burger!
Fish 'n Chip Supper ... Some 37 members and friends of the Royal British Legion enjoyed a great Fish 'n Chip Supper Night at Barnacles, near Guern, hosted by Michael and Bryn supporters of the RBL.

Our secretary Alan Byron performed wonderfully, playing a keyboard kindly loaned to us by Ann Hollingsworth. All Alan's renditions were well known old time songs but for those who had forgotten the words he even provided song sheets. There was laughter, chatter and, all-in-all, the consensus was: "another good do".

ANZAC Day Tea Dance ... Despite the forecast change in the weather to a cold wind and showers, some 35 hardy branch members and guests attended the annual ANZAC Day Tea Dance at the home of Kate and Rodney Curtis. Much coffee, tea, sandwiches and cakes, was consumed and wine and beer was available for those who preferred something stronger.

As usual, books and videos were on sale but the highlight of the afternoon was an auction of a wide variety of items kindly donated by members and supporters. Auctioneer Rodney, ably supported (or hindered) by Jimmy, soon 'persuaded' buyers for all 35 items, and in one instance in traditional Cash in the Attic style accepted a successful phone bid for an item which produced the highest bid of the day. Your treasurer was on hand to record (and collect) the bidding details and by the end of the auction over 400€ had been collected. This sum, together with entrance fees and after deduction of expenses, resulted in just over 550€ going towards this year’s Poppy Appeal. Special thanks must go to Kate and Rodney for yet again hosting the event, and all the hard work it entails, and to Pat and Jimmy Rowe, their able assistants. Grateful thanks too for all those who donated items for the auction and to all those in attendance.