A South Wales delicatessen has unveiled an eye-catching commemorative display marking the anniversary of the start of World War I and raising money for today’s armed forces.
The Home & Colonial Fine Foods Deli in the centre of Porthcawl, has been transformed with a military cargo net adorned with poppies and personal military memories suspended from the ceiling.
Money raised from the display will go to The Royal British Legion to help its work with today’s service personnel.
Customers who donate £1 to the charity receive an old-fashioned style brown price ticket on which they can write the name of a family member who has been in the armed forces or served in a conflict. The ticket is then attached to the cargo net.
The fundraising display is the idea of husband and wife team Stuart and Abbé Vaughan who run the multi award-winning deli, and is part of the town’s activities marking the centenary of the Great War www.porthcawlandthegreatwar.com
“We wanted to commemorate the anniversary of the First World War and remember those who sacrificed so much on our behalf, but also to help today’s servicemen and women,” said Abbé, whose grandfather served in France during the First World War.
“That’s why we are raising money specifically for the Royal British Legion’s ‘Be the Boss’ programme which is part of its Civvy Street scheme to help ex-service personnel find self-employment after they leave the forces.
“We set up our own business five years ago and we are very passionate about helping people into self employment. Service people have certain skills, they are very enterprising and suit the self employed work ethic.”
Customers can continue to donate and add to the shop’s display until the end of August.
“The response so far has been absolutely tremendous, we have had people visiting us just to donate and hang up their tickets,” said Abbé.
“The human interest stories have been so touching, and there have been quite a few tears. We’ve had people remembering family and friends from the two world wars as well as in recent conflicts such as Afghanistan and also prisoners of war.”
Home & Colonial’s cargo net has been such a hit that the Royal British Legion is looking to take up the idea themselves and use it in other locations.
Said Lynne Woodyatt, South East & Mid Wales Community Fundraiser for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, “We are delighted that we’ve got so much support locally and Home and Colonial have come up with a fantastic and very eye-catching fundraising idea.
“By the time the WW1 Centenary comes about the net should be a display of fluttering names as a dedication to all those that have been in service or conflict.
“The Royal British Legion is dedicated to helping not just service men and women but their families too. With so many people coming out of the armed forces there has been unprecedented demand for the Civvy Street scheme – and in particular the ‘Be the Boss’ programme – which provides help and support for those making the transition from the forces to civilian life.”
For more information go to www.royalbritishlegion.org.uk and there is also a free phone helpline number: 0800 6785787
Home & Colonial is also helping raise money for Welsh cancer charity Tenovus by creating a “mini golf hole” outside their John Street shop as part of the town’s celebrations for the Senior Open Championship (July 24-27) which is being held at the Royal Porthcawl – the prestigious golf competition’s first visit to Wales.
By donating £1 customers could try their hand at potting a ball in the themed hole, which featured such local landmarks as Margam Mountain and the Porthcawl seashore.
Also at the Senior Open Championship Home & Colonial are offering overseas visitors a taste of Wales, serving Welsh cakes from its mobile Welsh cake van.
NOTES TO EDITORS
Photos by James Davies
For more information about Home & Colonial or images please contact:
Sheila Coleman
Coleman Communications
Tel: 01792 410994 / 07968 357474
Email: sheila@colemancommunications.co.uk
About Home & Colonial
Home & Colonial – which takes its name from Stuart’s great grandmother’s butchery business – stocks a wide range of goods, the variety and quality attracting customers from the town and further afield.
The deli was commended by judges in the Local Shop of the Year’ category of Farm Shop & Deli Awards 2014, putting it in the top three local shops in the UK.
The shelves are filled with cooked meats, cheese, pasta, pastries, terrines, pies, bread and condiments from around the world as well as award-winning Welsh products such as Patchwork Pâté, Caws Cenarth cheese and butter and cream from local dairy, Tŷ Tangwlyst.
While the deli’s own mince pies – made to a secret family recipe – have become best sellers, with up to 400 being baked every week – close on 20,000 a year.
HOME & COLONIAL FINE FOODS
Tel: 01656 773793 / 07974 411683