The devastating impact of the Great War continued to affect the lives of servicemen and their families for many years after the event. In the years immediately following WWI in the face of rising unemployment the British Legion was established holding the first Poppy Day on November 11th 1921. Today the Royal British Legion (having gained a 'royal' status on its 50th anniversary) is still this country's main armed forces charity and therefore an obvious partner for our production of Private Peaceful in July.

Needing some authentic drill training during the rehearsal period we were delighted to welcome the Legion's Drill Sergeant John Todd who put the cast through their paces and turned a few heads in the bar area during the process. In thanks we offered to raise money during performance week by encouraging audiences to put a few coins into one of the collection tins, especially those who were too late to secure a ticket and asked to attend a dress rehearsal. The result was an impressive £226.03 for which the charity has asked me to pass on their grateful thanks.

The effect that WWI had upon families is beautifully portrayed in Somerset Maugham's masterpiece For Services Rendered which will be performed from 6 - 11 October 2014.