A visit to the Poppy Factory

Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan, in the Poppy Factory warehouse with the charity's Chief Executive, Melanie Waters
[Picture: Richard Watt, Crown Copyright/MOD 2011]

Have you ever visited the MOD's website?  On a daily basis, there are new online stories highlighting news or features that will be of interest to the Armed Forces Community.

I spotted this article online.  The Minister for Defence, Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan, visited the Poppy Factory charity. Now the charity has launched a five-year campaign to help 500 wounded, sick and injured ex-Service personnel into employment.

To get an idea of what the charity can do, then take a look at our latest issue of Veterans WORLD.  In this issue, we've published a double-page feature on the charity (pages 12 and 13) and their plans, with a case study on Ewan Stewart, a disabled veteran they've helped back into employment.

Take a look and find out more . . .

Veterans Tree of Honour

Tree of Honour celebrations have been held to remember absent family and friends at Christmas

Veterans at the Erskine charity's home in Bishopton recently held Tree of Honour celebrations to remember absent family and friends at Christmas time. Many people have chosen to dedicate a star to loved ones serving on operations in Afghanistan, which will hang on the tree. The wintery evening commenced with a small Lantern Procession from the Old Garden Centre, with well wrapped up residents and children accompanied by a Pipe Band, to The Erskine Home.

Family and friends joined in Carol Singing with the children of Rashielea Primary School and the Happy Days Nursery. Erskine’s Reverend Janet MacMahon led the Dedication Service of the Tree followed by the switching on the Tree lights.

Each Erskine Home will be decorating a Tree of Honour with Purple Stars this Christmas and it’s not too late for you to write your own personal message on a Purple Star and return it with a donation to the charity. If you would like to receive a Star please call the Erskine Fundraising Department on 0141 814 4555.

To find out more about Erskine; visit their website and take a look at some of the resident's testimonials to get an idea of what the charity has meant to them.