AS THIS year’s Poppy Appeal gets under way, the Royal British Legion says the support of local people is needed more than ever – both through their donations, and through taking the time to help with the collections.
Every year, the people of Westbury respond generously to the appeal, with a total of around £7,000 raised in the town last year.
Eddie Bridges, president of the Westbury branch of the Royal British Legion said, “In the last two years we’ve collected roughly £7,000 each year, although we never know how much all the cuts and the current climate will bite.
“When Mr Knowles reformed the legion [Westbury branch] in 1981, the first collection was £500 and it’s gradually gone up. The last two years have been a good figure – I think it’s the fact that it’s in the news all the time which helps keep people’s minds on it.”
Can you spare a few
hours to help the appeal?
Westbury’s branch of the Royal British Legion consists of a dedicated but small group of people, who work tirelessly for the Poppy Appeal in the run up to Remembrance Sunday. This year, the branch is appealing for more people to help sell poppies and collect donations in order to gather as much for the appeal as possible.
Eddie said, “We stand in Morrisons and the Co-op virtually every day for two weeks. They are long days, and even if people just come forward to help for an hour or two that would give other collectors a break. So if any ex-service people, or anyone else, can help that would be great.” If you are able to help, please contact Bill Prior on 01373 827 655.
Time to Remember
The annual Remembrance Sunday parade and service will be held in Westbury on Sunday 13th November. Local groups will take part in the parade leading up to the open air service in the town centre, where wreaths will be laid at the war memorial.
Westbury will also host a memorial service on Armistice Day in the town centre. Eddie explained, “It’s quite a thing this year; it will be the 11th hour on the 11th day, in the 11th month in the 11th year.”
The Poppy Appeal
The 2011 Poppy Appeal is the culmination of their 90th anniversary year. Last year, the appeal achieved a record- breaking total of £36million and hope to improve this yet again this year with a fundraising goal of £40million.
The Royal British Legion provides welfare to the whole Armed Forces family – serving, ex-service, and their dependants. They also campaign on a range of issues affecting service people, and are the custodian of Remembrance.
