POPPY Appeal organisers have praised the generosity of the local community after over £22,500 was raised by this year’s appeal.
“On behalf of the Royal British Legion Melksham Branch, I would like to thank all the residents of Melksham and surrounding villages, for their very generous donations to this year’s Poppy Appeal, especially during this increased cost of living situation!
“We collected a total of £22,596 this year, up from £20,700 last year.
“Melksham and surrounding village schools were again very supportive, with a total of £2,624 raised!
“I would like to thank Mo Deedigan Thomas, the PR Ambassador in Sainsbury’s and Emma Scott, the Community Champion in Asda for their help with setting up our tables in their stores, we raised a total of £11,430 in their stores!
“I would like to thank Rod and Christine Price again for organising the collections from organisations and businesses in Atworth.
“We also received large donations from individuals in and around Melksham.
“I would like to thanks Bruce Sanders for helping me deliver the poppy tins and boxes to the stores and businesses in the town, and to all the volunteers who helped to man our tables in Sainsbury’s and Asda, also to the military group called ‘The Big Group1’ for bringing their vehicles to display, and collect for us in Sainsbury’s car park on the final Saturday!
“I would also like to thanks the organisers of the Artisans market held in the White Hart pub car park and the youth club in Atworth, for allowing the Melksham Army Cadet platoon, under the command of Lt Jason Roberts to man the entrances, selling poppies and other items, which brought in a total of £663, a magnificent amount!
“This year after covid restrictions were lifted, the Melksham Rugby Football club were able to stage their charity match between the club veterans and the Melksham army veterans. The weather was kind to us this year and the event raised a total of £1,435!
“This consisted of £461 raised on our poppy table in the bar, the poppy tin in the bar and the junior members collecting with the bucket from the spectators watching the match. The raffle with prizes donated by local businesses, raised a total of £474; thanks to Jona Jones James Dix and Lisa Reece for running the raffle!
“They also had an auction for signed Rugby shirts, this raised £500; thanks to Chalky Meek for organising the auction. A very big thank you to Richard Griesliaber, Jona Jones, James Dix and Matt Sidnall for organising the event!
“Finally, I would like to bring your attention to the Grand Xmas Draw held in the refurbished New Inn, tickets available at the bar now! The draw will take place on Boxing Day. The joint owners Ronnie Carter and Terry Milne said that there will be well over £1,000 worth of prizes, and the proceeds of the raffle will be donated to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.”
Pictured: Trevor Paterson and Ken Graham, from the Melksham Royal British Legion branch.
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