This post is about the Royal British Legion and their Great Poppy Party Weekend to celebrate their 90th year. The Royal British Legion was originally set up to help British Servicemen and Women and their families after the 1st World War. Since then there has been another World War and several other conflicts in which British Servicemen and women have served and still continue to serve. I hope that this little post will help highlight the good and important fundraising work that the British Legion does and especially to highlight this weekends fundraising activities across the country. The outdoors link is the fact that on my planned walk in the Brecon Beacons today, I came across one of the fundraising poppy parties…on top of Pen-y-Fan!
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Because I did the Central Brecon Beacons as a walk today, I happened to go over Pen-y-Fan on my route. When I got to the top, I found that there was a rather loud and jovial character stood next to a trailer filled with what looked like jerry cans. As I approached, this chap asked me if I wanted a cup of tea or coffee for free. Intrigued I asked what was he doing up on top of a mountain giving away free drinks. He introduced himself as Ty Harrison and declared that the point of the free drinks was in aid of The Royal British Legion’s 90th year celebrations. The idea was for fundraising groups all around the country to hold “Poppy Parties” and the more original the party idea, the better.
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It transpired that Ty’s group originally wanted to hold the party on the top of Snowdon but he admited that because they lived in South Wales it made more sense to hold it on the top of Pen-y-Fan being the highest mountain in southern Britain. Ty was hoping that it would turn out to be the best party of all the fundraising ideas and it would probably be the highest one!
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After chatting aimiably with Ty for some time, other walkers curious as to what was going on suddenly realised that free hot drinks were in the offing and he became a hive of activity. Apart from the drinks he also had free mugs and pens and key rings to give away. I think this particular party idea was a cracking one and I know that since it was a cool day, hot drinks would be welcomed by all and sundry and as I continued on my walk I was sure he was in for a busy afternoon!
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In all seriousness though, I would like to highlight and promote the work that fundraising activities such as these in support of our servicemen and women and their families. Even if its only a few pence or a few quid, please give generously and remember those who have fought for, or continue to fight for, our country…
Saddlebags and Backpacks - a brewer's outdoor adventures 
Looks like a good day not to be on the top for long, and free tea (army style) can’t be beaten.
I thought it was a splendid idea and the free hot drinks were going down a treat especially because it was cold and windy on the top