This month, the Royal British Legion celebrates 100 years of its annual poppy appeal.

It comes after a very difficult Covid-19 restricted appeal in 2020.

The Legion has been holding events around the Country to raise awareness of the anniversary and help redress the shortfall in funding that occurred in 2020.

Royal Sutton Coldfield District Organiser David Ballantyne is also a member of Erdington Court Bowls Club and appealed to his fellow bowlers for help. Most of those members come from Sutton Coldfield.

As a result, the Club hosted a week - end of sponsored socially distanced challenges linked to the 100 theme - and raised over £500 for the Legion.

Several Club players including David, undertook over 100 ends of bowls against a relay of other members, and they played for 7 - 8 hours, walking over 10km in the process.

Ray Woods was another of the Court members who took on the 100 end challenge. He said,

"When David explained the difficulties experienced by the Legion - in common with many other charities, we were delighted to help. Thankfully, the weather was kind to us and our all weather rinks coped well with the occasional showers. We are really pleased to have raised over £500 and are grateful to all members who supported this appeal."

Erdington Court has 6 outdoor rinks and a full size 4 rink indoor arena. It is currently only operating outdoors in line with current guidelines. You can find details of the Club at www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk and follow them on Facebook at Erdington Court Bowls Club and on [email protected] New members are encouraged to apply. Full training is given. Call 07967 686230.