Some of you may remember we held a Big Brew Up event in aid of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) in the Town Hall in Cullompton a couple of years ago.  Well this year we are holding the event at our new premises at Military House to give you a good excuse to visit us whilst helping this worthwhile charity.

Our Big Brew Up event will be held on Saturday the 11th October 2008 between 10am and 4pm. We will be selling raffle tickets and you could win a wonderful Christmas hamper, well stocked with preserves, sweets, chocolates, wines and of course Christmas cake and pud! Tickets cost just £1 and all monies will go to SSAFA Forces Help so please feel free to pop in and buy a ticket. The draw will take place at 4pm on the 11th.

Tea, coffee and light refreshments will be available in return for a donation to SSAFA Forces Help. 

If you are unavailable on the day, please call in anytime leading up to the 11th if you would like to make a donation or buy a raffle ticket.  Your contribution will make a difference to those servicemen  and women, past and present and their families who are now in need of help.

Here's a picture of three young men who took part in the Northern Ireland Veterans Parade in London on 10th September 2008.  I am extremely proud to say that all three were wearing their Light Infantry Northern Ireland Veteran pin badges.  For more information about the day please see http://www.mod.uk/defenceinternet/defencenews/historyandhonour/northernirelandvetstheirday.htm

To see the badge close up please see http://www.militaryfigures.co.uk/pages/product.aspx?category=15555&page=1&product=16086

Given the bad weather at the moment we don't know whether to be pleased or disappointed that the window fitters have not yet arrived.  Apparently they are coming today.  The job is also going to take a lot longer than expected - four days - but hopefully won't cause too much disruption to business.  We like a challenge!

 

You will find two new links on the home page for personalised products and painting commissions.  Each one links through to an enquiry form.  Please get in touch with your requirements and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Military House will be brought up to date on 8th Sept with the arrival of new windows and doors.  Inevitably this will cause some disruption to business on the day but it should ensure an even warmer welcome come the winter!

 

I've added over 50 new coasters to the website in the past couple of days and Deb has just about finished adding the pictures today.  We will be working on adding mugs, wall shields and fridge magnets as soon as possible but in the meantime if you can find what you want on a coaster we can print it on any other these other products too. 

We have just about recovered from the Military Odyssey show in Detling, Kent last weekend but it was certainly an experience not to be repeated because of the weather.  Whilst some parts of the Kent County Showground appeared to be calm the end of the field where we were was extremely windy.  The traders two stands down from us lost their tent to high winds at about 8am on the Sunday morning.  Fortunately they were not sleeping in it at the time but it left their stock of militaria open to the elements. A couple of hours later it rained very heavily.  We were forced to close until it passed but at least we still had a tent to retreat into. 

Unfortunately the weather was not the only element to put a dampener on the show.  At least one trader was the victim of a premeditated theft and we were warned by the organisers that forged notes were being received by the traders with indoor pitches.  Fortunately we didn't fall prey to either but that was no doubt just the luck of the draw.

Whilst people attending the show seemed to be enjoying it, despite the price tag for getting in which was just over £40 for two adults and two children on a one day family ticket, I can't say that we did.  We met some nice people and caught up with a few old friends which is always nice, but I don't think we will be making the trip again next year unless the weather promises to be much kinder.

 

 

After a quick stock check on traditional style wall shields today we realised that four had never reached the website. I have therefore added wall shields from the RAF, RAF Police, WRAC and 45 Commando tonight - and they have gone straight into the clearance section.  These wall shields used to cost £29.50 inc VAT but are now only £25.98. Hurry though - We have only got one of each left.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Royal Marines School of Music open day which took place yesterday in Portsmouth's beautiful Guildhall.  Taking the form of a concert and prize giving in front of VIPs including the Mayor with presentations made by the First Sea Lord, I felt very emotional and proud and I didn't even know any of the musicians!  It was a wonderful experience to see and hear the results of three years training as these Bandsmen and women accepted their graduation certificates and we were told which Royal Marines bands they were to join.

After the concert we were treated to a Beating Retreat Ceremony outside the Civic Centre. I sat on the steps of the Guildhall and watched proudly, welling up (as usual) when the band played 'Hearts of Oak'!

I think you have to go some way to beat the sight and sound of a military band!

Things are finally moving a pace with the re-location of the business.  Our new business premises are just off the Honiton Road (almost opposite the Mole Valley Farmers turning), still in Cullompton, at Military House.  The building used to be the offices of the Devon Growers nursery which any locals of a certain age will remember!    Although I do not plan to run it as a shop exactly it will enable me to welcome visitors more easily.   

I am planning to have an official opening  in the next month or so, so as many people as possible will know where we are and what sort of services we can offer.

It would be nice to see you there!