The two Nottingham congregations recently joined with the Royal British Legion (RBL), to host a “Poppy Picnic”. This provided an opportunity to invite and involve members of the local community, friends and neighbours who all joined in the fun, with invitations also being issued to local dignitaries. The event successfully raised £285 in donations on the day.
As a major event in the Nottingham congregations’ calendar this was much more than your average sausage roll and a sandwich picnic! With a wide variety of games for children and adults, and everyone in between to enjoy at their leisure. And with free ice-cream it was sure to be a success.
The weather in England was always going to be a worry but to everyone's relief the event was blessed with a fine day other than a strong breeze, which was perfect for the balloon race for the longest flight. One balloon was retrieved from an impressive 48 miles away with a strong possibility that others have continued their flight across the sea.
The day was rounded up with a short but meaningful commemorative concert to remember those who fought and sacrificed everything for England’s freedom. To mark the association between the RBL and the Church, Peter Hopkins, Vice Chairman of Nottingham RBL, presented the Church with a certificate of recognition for efforts in the Poppy Appeal. The award was received by Dennis Stinson.
As well as being fun family events “Poppy Picnics” play an important role in raising awareness of the vital work of the RBL.