With the ever changing landscape I felt it was a good time to update you on the latest branch position.  This year has been a difficult and unprecedented year due to Covid-19 and the impact this has had on our lives, especially socially, has been unforeseen and distressing for many.

Poppy Appeal

Covid-19 has had a huge impact on many charities and what they have been able to do, including the Poppy Appeal and the RBL.  The Poppy Appeal relies on donations made over the Remembrance period (over £54 million raised last year) as the main platform for the support the RBL can provide throughout the year.  Now more than ever, it is important that those of us who can, step forward and support those who are less able to do so or those whose lives rely on the help provided through the RBL.

Advice and guidance is changing on a week by week basis and both the Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) Pete Digby and myself will keep you informed and up to date as and when we have more information.

However, the latest update from Headquarters on the Poppy Appeal for this year is as follows:

• We will be able to have static face to face collection points but this will require a physical barrier such as a table.
• Poppy appeal helpers will be given PPE to wear whilst conducting Poppy appeal duties.
• Helpers will be there to run the stall but Poppy's will be selected and chosen by the member of the public.
• We will be able to take payments electronically this year with at least one device to use at our physically resourced collection points, such as the train station or Frosts.
• There will not be any house to house collections this year.
• We will be able to put out boxes and collection tins at strategic shops and businesses.
• There will be School packs to put out this year.
• The PAO has ordered a quantity of metal pins this year both with 2020 on and commemorating 75 years since VE.
• The PAO will have wreaths in stock if they are required by members.

This may again change as and when new guidelines and rules are issued by the Government and of course may change again if we unfortunately go into a second lock down.

We are therefore looking for volunteers who are not at risk or are required to isolate due to pre-existing health issues who would be prepared to help at strategic points during the two weekends prior to Remembrance Day. (This will be, Huntingdon Station, and possibly Brampton High Street and Frosts Garden Centre)

If you feel you would like to help and are willing to support this year in these difficult times please contact our PAO Pete Digby on 077951 97622 or email [email protected] .  Pete will be putting the rotas together and issuing the PPE etc.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Our AGM was due to be held at the end of October this year, but in view of the new guidelines and restrictions I am recommending that this be postponed until the Spring 2021.  A virtual meeting had been considered but unfortunately there are a number of current members who do not have internet access and would therefore not be able to join.  Should any member/potential member object to this, or wish to volunteer on the committee please contact either myself or the Branch Secretary by 1700hrs on Friday 2^nd October 2020 (contact details below)

Support Lines

Below is a list of support details should you identify someone in need, support can also be locally obtained through : Alconbury - Swynford Stores, 01480272421 for supplies, Marc Liley 0749703048. Brampton - Community Support Group, 07834189371, Stukeley Meadows - [email protected]. 

Additionally, below is a list of national contacts that continue to provide support during the current situation

Should you feel that you or a fellow veteran needs support please contact us at :

Keep Safe, Keep Healthy, Tomorrow will be a better day

Kind Regards

Mick Forsdick

Chairman