IT was a great pleasure for the chairman to be able to present the Spreckley Cup to the Powyke WI following their narrow and hard won victory in the annual skittles challenge, well done ladies you really have shown us what you are made of.

Our next skittles challenge will be the RBL annual Group Three Inter- branch competition on October 23 at Claines RBL for the Trevor Barry Memorial Trophy, of which we are the sponsors and to date have yet to win.

We are geared up for the Poppy Appeal this special anniversary year when many of us with long memories can remember the dark days of imminent disaster in 1940 when we were under the threat of invasion and spending night upon night in the cold and sheltering from the bombs. Undoubtedly we have a lot to be grateful for and of course the Poppy Appeal is just one of those ways of showing our gratitude.

Following our very successful and enjoyable VJ/VE Social earlier in the year, we are rounding off the year with a special Poppy Bingo Night at Callow End Club on Friday, October 16 with some fabulous prizes to be won so do come along and join us at 8pm - entry is free.

Remembrance Services this year will follow the past tradition of a service at Powick on Sunday morning and another at Callow End on Sunday afternoon, with a short dedication on Wednesday, November 11 at the Cenotaph in Callow End. The Powick rehearsal for standard bearers and escorts will go ahead on Thursday evening as in the past: despite the fact that it clashes with November the fifth. All details and times will be published at our next meeting.

We really do need some new members to keep the branch alive in our community and if you would like to join us as a Legion member this can now be done on the Internet or by telephone and we would welcome you with open arms. Remember anyone can become a member of the Royal British Legion, old or young, male or female and you DO NOT have to be ex-service to be a member. If you would like to get involved and join us contact John Mason on 01905 830805.

Our next branch meeting will be on Tuesday, October 13 at Madresfield Club starting at 8.15pm prompt, so why not come along and join us.

JOHN MASON