2011 Royal British Legion Newbury Poppy Appeal

Letter to the Editor, Newbury Weekly News

We all know that times are hard so it is especially warming that the people of Newbury dug deep into their pockets during the Poppy Appeal. During the collection fortnight the amount of coins and notes put into the tins was a staggering £54,214. This is well over £5,000 more than last year’s total, which was itself a record.

Perhaps we should take a moment to reflect on why the people of Newbury have been so generous. I think it is because they perceived and recognised the need. The Poppy Appeal is the major single source of revenue for the Royal British Legion’s Benevolent Fund and each year more people come to the Legion for help. With sad regularity we see and read about the considerable danger young service men and women face in today’s world. There will always be a need to provide help for them and their dependants, when they themselves no longer can. No matter what our politics or particular views on any conflict, people recognise that if we put a young man or a young woman in harm’s way in the name of our country, if harm does indeed result, then we owe them and their dependents. This covenant is at the core of what the British Legion is all about, and it is vital that we should be able to continue with our welfare and benevolent work.

All of us involved were privileged to be involved in another Poppy Appeal, and extend our thanks to all donors who made it so worthwhile.

If any of your readers, ex-servicemen or otherwise, would like to join the Royal British Legion, we would be delighted to hear from them on 01635-47415 or visit our website www.newburyroyalbritishlegion.co.uk Also get in touch if you know of anyone who you think might benefit from our welfare services.

Malcolm Rowlands, Poppy Appeal Organiser, Newbury Royal British Legion.

Charity No: 219279. Under the Charities Act 1960.

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