Poppy Appeal raises over £30,000

This year’s Poppy Appeal in Melksham has raised over £30,000 through donations from individuals and a generous contribution from a local business.

Volunteers from the Melksham branch of the Royal British Legion were out and about this year selling poppies for the UK-wide armed forces charity, which provides lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Over a two-week period, volunteers sold poppies in Sainsbury’s, Waitrose and Lidl, raising a total of £19,118.65. Schools in Melksham and Atworth also raised £1,818.85 and donations from individuals and organisations came to £345.

Melksham RBL president Trevor Paterson said, “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 £30,557 this year, slightly better than last year’s total of £30,100, an excellent result. We also had a very welcome donation of £1,200 from Melksham Recycling.”