THE GRAPEVINE SNIPPETS FROM AROUND THE TOMMY CLUB COMMUNITY
D-Day veteran Tommy Trotter received thousands of cards for his lockdown 100th birthday and made headline news after after you championed his story. Tommy is now a Tommy Club Champion in his own right!
TOMMY TROTTER An amazing Tommy community initiative was brought to our attention by Tommy Club Champion, Neil Taff Barritt.
Julia launched a campaign, asking members of the public to send birthday cards to Tommy – and that’s where the Tommy Champions came in.
Back in February this year Royal Fusilier and D-Day veteran, Tommy Trotter, was facing the prospect of celebrating his 100th birthday alone in lockdown. Tommy’s friend and bar owner, Julia Cooper, had originally organised a big birthday celebration for him, including a regimental guard of honour. When the plans had to be scrapped due to Covid-19 restrictions, Julia put her thinking cap on, to make sure Tommy’s big day did not go by without occasion.
RBLI’s Chief Executive Brigadier Steve Sherry CMG OBE said: “Whilst this pandemic has been incredibly challenging for us all, it has also brought out the very best in us – and that’s no more evident than in Julia’s amazing campaign and the Tommy Club Champions who have offered their support.” Tommy and Julia’s amazing story featured on both the BBC and ITV – did any of you see it?
You sent cards by the sackload The original target of 1000 cards for Tommy Trotter was smashed and he received enough cards to fill the floor in Julia’s bar!
Courtesy of the Tommy Club, Tommy received a personalised Tommy for his home and favourite bar as well as honorary Championship. I’m sure you’ll extend your warm welcome to our newest Champion!
WANT TO SHARE SOMETHING ON THE GRAPEVINE? So many Tommy Club Champions that have gone above and beyond over the last six months and we’d love to feature as many of your stories as possible here. If you’d like to submit a story to the Grapevine, please email it to Tommyclub@rbli.co.uk Keep it snappy and don’t forget to include pictures! 26
TOM M Y C LU B NEWS I SPRING 2021
