Purple Salute: Newsletter

2009

October 16th 2009

The Living Tribute Trail branches out in to more hearts.
Four beautiful trees were planted in Trowbridge Memorial Gardens - tying together Homage to Fallen with Hope and Pride in those who continue to serve.
The huge turn out of people wishing to take part was possibly the most wonderful part - showing how much people want to get involved. The day was beautifully orchestrated by Jennifer Polledri and Bill Austin together with their teams who worked tirelessly to make sure this very special day went without a hitch.

In the time honoured fashion of Purple Salute
WE SALUTE YOU!

It has been our privilege to plant 4 trees at Tidworth Barracks Wiltshire.
One each for The Military, Fire, Police and Ambulance Services.

Grateful Thanks to Tamworth Rubgy Union Foorball Club who have donated £200.00 to Purple Salute. This money will be used toward a boat trip being organised with Tamworth Cruising Club. The Rugby Club has also offered its facilities to Purple Salute for further activities.

Tamworth Cruising Club hosted a boat trip for some of our injured soldiers and their families in May of this year. A wonderful adapted narrowboat 'The Hargreaves' transported our precious cargo under the skilful and watchful eyes of the skippers on board. The Club worked hard to make sure the day went without a hitch and a buffet of mouth watering proportions quickly vanished into eager mouths. Later in the day the Mayor of Tamworth planted a Living Tribute Trail Tree which was witnessed by our servicemen - an emotional moment.
Thanks are never enough to express the pride we feel in people who make so much effort on behalf of those who give so much. However it is the only way we can express our gratitude - so Tamworth Cruising Club, The Hargreaves and Rugby Union Football Club - THANK YOU.

2008
We have been very busy with Hampers this year.
We reach ever outwards. If you would like to deliver a Hamper to a station of your choice, let us know, we are always looking for postmen and women and what better delivery than those you choose yourself.

If you would like to donate toward the cost of a Hamper, £25.00, we put a card from you inside so that those who receive know who has made the effort of their behalf.

We encourage Groups or Clubs to provide a Hamper and also work closely with the Royal Artillery Association and Harry Hardy of Hartlepool who have joined us delivering to their own area.
Click here to find out more>>>

Welcome to Our New Branch at Sutton Coldfield, Chairman Stan Moore with his Area Officer Sophie delivered in the Kingstanding and Aldridge area. They also provided individual boxes to soldiers staying in Hospital over Christmas and a staff box for the military nurses caring for them.

Welcome to Caroline Williamson who has taken on the role of Area Officer catering for South Wilts and in particular Tidworth Barracks where her husband serves. Caroline has delivered an endless stream of hampers both to the Barracks and the surrounding area after taking up her position only two weeks before Christmas.

Grateful thanks to Ian and Sally Hildrew for Cambridge and Livian and Peter Wilkes for Castle Vale, Phil and Dot Evans for Stafford and Cannock and to Coz and Enid for Selly Oak in Birmingham, Tamworth and Lichfield, Colin for Chippenham and Devizes. Also grateful thanks to Velma Keating MBE and her colleague Gwen who have taken on the Morecambe and Lancaster area and for all our other postmen and women and helpers and volunteers and donators and everybody - countless in number - who help daily without whom we simply could not do this.

Powerballs sent to Birmingham's Selly Oak Hospital for our injured service people.
They help upper body development and strength - particularly helpful for injured people confined to bed or ward. They also help with moral as those who use them compete with one another. Good Luck !

Tally Ho!.
Cases of Spitfire Ales donated by Shepherd Neame and the RAF Benevolent Fund for our Christmas Gifts. Grateful Thanks. Individual boxes provided for our soldiers staying in Selly Oak Military Wards over the festive period are an essential part of our Christmas activities.

Wish Cards were designed by local school children.
They give the heartfelt feelings of local youngsters and the cards are intended to reach every person who serves. If you would like some - get in touch. They are freely given from us to you -from you to them. Printed as postcards, with just a stamp you can send them through the mail to anyone you care about or someone you know who serves.

Bittersweet.
A sample of leather gloves sent for the use of wheelchair users at Selly Oak Hospital. Purple Salute hopes for the speedy recovery of all those injured.

Definately our round!
Our Headquarters - Three Tuns Fazeley - Good Food, Good Beer, Good People.

The Living Tribute Trail is intended to touch every community in Britain - reminding people of the courage of those who put their country first. It is a lifelong project spearheaded by our 'Tree' man - Phil Evans and his wife Dot who have given a lot of their time and effort to an idea that has proved to be difficult and time consuming, but as each tree is planted the effort has been worth while. All of our trees are growing well, planted where there is a chance for reflection and to spend a moment sending a wish for the safety of others.

Brian and Cathy manfully (or womanfully), managed the BBq at one of our fundraisers. The American flag was in honour of visitors to our marina. Everyone was generous and for that we are very grateful.

2007 and 2008
Fund Raising in the past years has provided boat trips for our Injured Soldiers, Hampers for our Military and Emergency Services at Christmas and much needed items for Selly Oak Military Wards at Birmingham Hospital. The Fun days have also given the opportunity for people to sign the Book of Pride. Add your signature and comments, sign here>>>

Is 1 Million Signatures such an impossible dream? Click here>>>

Prideday. September 2009. Click here>>>

Roll out the Hampers! Click here>>>

Wish Cards will make their day! Click here>>>

Trowbridge Tree Planting
Click here>>>