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Rolf Harris

An Australian musician, singer-songwriter, composer, painter and television personality

Born in Perth, Western Australia, Harris was a champion swimmer before studying art. He moved to England in 1952, where he started to appear on television programmes on which he drew the characters. He also began a musical career initially with the piano accordion. He wrote the famous song "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport", and when performing in Canada he introduced his popular routine Jake the Peg. He often uses unusual instruments in his performances: he plays the didgeridoo, has been credited with the invention of the wobble board, a rhythmic percussion instrument, and was associated with the Stylophone, a small electronic keyboard instrument.

From the 1960s he has become a popular television personality, presenting shows including Rolf's Cartoon Club, Animal Hospital and various programmes about serious art. In late 2005 he painted an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, which was the subject of a special episode of Rolf on Art.

(Profile information sourced from Wikipedia and other publicly available internet sources.)

Rolf Harris on the web

Wikipedia: Rolf Harris
Website: Rolf Harris CBE
IMDb: Rolf Harris

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The Poppy Appeal

RBL Village, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7NX

p: +44 (0)20 3207 2255
f: +44 (0)20 3207 2354

Web

The Poppy Appeal

Organization

Each year the nation expresses its unequivocal support for The Royal British Legion's charity work through the Poppy Appeal. Our emphasis this year is the need to help the Afghan generation of the Armed Forces and their families - today and for the rest of their lives.

Make a Difference

The Royal British Legion is the UK’s leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or are currently serving in the Armed Forces, and their dependants. Thanks to our supporters, we are able to provide the folllowing essential services.

Poppy Funds : We can provide funds in a temporary crisis, such as homelessness, or assist with loans for property repairs and starting up a small business.

Poppy Advice: We can offer advice on War Pensions, Compensation Claims and also give Careers advice for those leaving the Forces. There is also a brand new scheme called Benefits and Money Advice which works closely with Citizens Advice and The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to offer advice and assistance on dealing with welfare benefits and debt issues.

Poppy Homes: A major part of our welfare work is to provide short and long-term care for ex-Service people and their dependants in our seven Poppy Homes around the country.

Poppy Breaks: We have four Poppy Break Centres for those recovering from an illness or bereavement, located in some of the country's most popular, traditional seaside resorts.

Poppy Travel: We offer pilgrimages and tours to war cemeteries, memorials and battlefields worldwide, with each designed as a relaxing and informative holiday.

Poppy People: Volunteers are vital to our organisation - you can join us as a Poppy Collector, or as a Caseworker, providing emotional support and practical assistance in the local community. We are also looking for more Hospital and Housebound Visitors.

Poppy Calls: This is a handyman service designed to offer help within the home for awkward jobs such as minor repairs or fitting essential devices.

Remembrance

As custodians of Remembrance, The Royal British Legion through the Poppy Appeal, provide ways for commemorating those who are no longer with us.

Each November, Fields of Remembrance are set up in London and Cardiff with Remembrance Crosses available for personal dedications. In 2008, a special Flanders' Field of Poppies was created to commemorate the end of the First World War and was so popular, it was repeated in 2009.

Other special anniversaries have been commemorated such as the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands and D-Day 65. And watch out for details of the 65th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2010.

More information about the Two-Minute Silence, Remembrance Sunday and the Remembrance Festival is available on the Legion's website.