Poppy Appeal passes £21,000 and organisers are hopeful for another record-breaking year

LAST year’s Poppy Appeal has so far raised £21,076 and with more fundraising still to come, organisers are hopeful the total will once again be record-breaking.

Organisers have thanked the public for their generosity and support towards the Poppy Appeal which helps servicemen and women affected by past and current conflicts. Trevor Paterson, organiser of Melksham’s Poppy Appeal said, “I would like to thank all the people of Melksham and surrounding villages for their support for this year’s Poppy Appeal, your contributions were very generous.

“We received a total of £10,403 at our manned tables in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Asda stores during the two weeks we were present, and £9,160.48 from the 163 boxes of poppies placed in shops, schools and businesses in Melksham and the surrounding villages.

“I would like to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who volunteered to help on our tables in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, Asda and stores over the two week period.

“I would also like to thank all the ladies and gentlemen who sold our poppies door-to-door around the estates in Melksham and Atworth, where again the residents were very generous.

“I would also like to thank the Two Little Ducks, Melksham Arcade and the Co-op Funeral Care shops for their commemorate window displays, and also the Spa Road garage for their in-store display.

“So, along with the sale of poppy wreaths to the various organisations in Melksham and surrounding villages, donations and the church collections in Melksham and Atworth churches, our total so far this year is £21,076.

“The collection year does not end until the end of September, so hopefully with a few more fundraising events and donations next year, we should beat last year’s total of £22,831.”