‘We Will Remember Them’ – Poppy Appeal 2014 is launched

THE Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal will be launched this weekend and Melksham people, who each year generously support the local branch, are asked to continue to ‘dig deep’ to help servicemen and women affected by past and current conflicts.

Kenneth Graham,   organiser of the appeal in Melksham said, “Last year we managed to raise over £17,300 and we hope to raise around the same this year.

“The money donated is divided amongst organisations who support ex-servicemen and their families who have been affected by conflict. These organisations include the Royal Air Force Association, Help for Heroes and the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association.

“It is important to remember that donations are made to families, as well as individuals, who are affected by conflict.

“People in Melksham are very generous and there a lot of bigger towns who don’t make as much as we do. The amount raised has increased every year since 2008. We even bucked the trend during the recession when the Royal British Legion’s takings were down; Melksham’s still went up! We’re hoping people will continue to give as generously for 2014/15.”

The appeal will begin on Saturday 25th of October and you will be able to find collection tins in many local shops. In addition to poppies, the legion will this year be selling calendars, diaries, stickers, and have a dedicated children’s pack for each primary school in the town.

Collectors will also be out in Melksham on Saturday 1st and Saturday 8th November.

Kenneth will be laying crosses on every war grave in both the old and new cemeteries, to remember all the servicemen and women who have died  since the First World War. If you see a soldier’s grave missing a cross contact Kenneth on 07887 941482.

Kenneth is also looking for volunteers to help man the static poppy stands in Melksham’s supermarkets.

Remembrance Sunday

Each year, Melksham remembers and honours the fallen and wounded in past and present wars, on Armistice Day, 11th of November. This year, Remembrance Sunday, which is held on the second Sunday in November, falls on the 9th November.

On Remembrance Sunday, a parade from King Street car park to St Michael’s Church in Melksham will take place at 2.30pm. A service will be given at St Michael’s Church from 3.00pm-4.00pm. Wreaths will then be laid on the cenotaph in Canon Square at approximately 4.10pm.

After the wreath laying, refreshments will be provided at Melksham Assembly Hall.

All ex-service men, women and serving members of HM Forces are welcome to take part in the parade. Those who are taking part  please report to the parade master in King Street car park before 2.30pm.

There will also be a small parade held on Tuesday 11th November at 11am at the cenotaph. It will involve the Royal British Legion standard and is often attended by school children from the town.

The 2012/13 national Poppy Appeal raised over £36million from donations all across the country.

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.