A MEMBER of Penley’s hardworking Rainbow Centre has finally been able to give his thanks for the support toward its First World War commemorations while he recovers from illness.

The centre held a tribute to those who lost their lives during the 1914-18 conflict as part of the 100-year commemorations since the end of the First World War, with a play called Fall In on October 31.

Pat Burns, who is an integral member of the group’s activities, has since struggled with a bout of pneumonia but was delighted to announce the night had raised more than £100 towards the British Legion’s Poppy Appeal and thanked all those for coming.

“I apologise for the delay in getting back to you but since the date of the production as I have been recovering from pneumonia and didn’t work many days in November,” he said.

“On Wednesday, October 31, the Rainbow Centre in Penley packed their hall with their commemorative production of Fall In a tribute to those that gave their lives in the Great War.

“The scenario was the audience were all pupils back in 1914 and their Victorian headmaster was the bumbling Professor Horatio Mason, played by me.

“It was all panic stations when an urgent telegram was forgotten about which was announcing the arrival of Sergeant George Riley, alias historian and author Tony Davies, who was arriving at the school to begin his recruiting campaign for ‘King and Country’.

“Sgt Riley gave true testament of life in the trenches during that time and had many exhibits for the audience to view and handle themselves.

“Other members of the cast were played by staff members from the Rainbow Centre and Mark Griffiths from the Maelor School made the occasion very special while playing the last post on his bugle.

“Also taking part were members of the Royal British Legion, Overton on Dee branch and the Rainbow Singers. Light refreshments were served at the end of the performance and a total of £100 was raised in donations on the day for the Poppy Appeal.

“I would like to thank everyone for taking part and the audience for making it a very successful day.”