Melksham Poppy Appeal organiser retires after 14 years

A MELKSHAM man is stepping down as the organiser of the Poppy Appeal for the town after 14 years. 

Bill Brown has made the decision to step down for health reasons and because he is moving to Cornwall with his family, having lived in Melksham for 82 years.  He has led the appeal which has continually grown over the years, culminating in a record-breaking year for the last appeal, which has already raised over £16,000 so far.

In a letter to the Melksham News Bill said, “This year will be the last time I shall be involved with the appeal; my health and my wife’s is beginning to get the better of us.

“Thanks to all those people who have supported us towards the record collection achieved this last appeal, it has now turned £16,200 now.

“This could not have been possible without the support of extra help from members of the local branches of the RAF Association, Royal Engineers Association, the local shopkeepers, publicans, supermarkets and the other establishments, who take our boxes in, not forgetting all those people who trudge round the houses door to door. Also thanks to Mrs Christine Price who organises Atworth area for us; she exceeded £1,000 this year for the first time and John Marable who always finds time between his work and his own fund raising activities to support us.  The appeal could not be left in better hands than my friend and colleague Ken Graham, who will be happy to help in any way he can.”

The community fundraiser in Wiltshire for the British Legion Fiona Dobson said, “Bill has been outstanding in giving his time, dedication and commitment to the Poppy Appeal and without people such as him, it simply wouldn’t be able to continue.”

The Poppy Appeal is the Royal British Legion’s biggest fundraising campaign.

This year, they hope nationally to reach a national target of £37million and donations are welcome all year round.

You can find out more at www.britishlegion.org.uk /support-us/poppy-appeal