BRIAN Parkinson was only in the Army for 18 months but his devotion to fundraising efforts for the Astwood Bank branch of Royal British Legion were rightly recognised at Monday evening’s full council meeting at Redditch Town Hall.
During his 15 year involvement with the RBL’s Poppy Appeal, 13 as organiser, the branch has raised an incredible £234,000 for the charity that looks after ex-servicemen and women and their families.
And as a mark of recognition of his service Brian, who served in the Royal Engineers, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Borough Mayor Councillor Juliet Brunner.
“Brian is one of the unsung heroes of our town and I was absolutely delighted to present him with a certificate,” said the Mayor, who also praised Brian’s wife Christine who would often end up having to count the proceeds from the collections.
Astwood Bank Councillor Craig Warhurst added: “The work he has done, Brian is an absolute genius raising so much money for this cause.”
The RBL stalwart, who’s son Scott is bandmaster with The Rifles, started the collection from small beginnings, raising £7,000 in his first year before steadily increasing the total year on year.
He told councillors: “I haven’t even thought what I’m going to say but I’m going to accept this certificate not just for me but firstly for my wife, and also to extend a big thank you to all my helpers in Astwood Bank and at Tesco’s.
“However I can only put the boxes there, I cannot put the money in and so it’s a big thank you to the people of Redditch who have made it possible to collect this sum of money.”
