Your support needed as much as ever, as Poppy appeal gets under way

Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal — Poppy Appeal volunteer Gordon Satchell and organisers Kenneth Graham and Bill Brown.

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, one of the organisers of the poppy appeal in Melksham said, “Last year we managed to raise around £15,000 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.”

The appeal will begin on Saturday 26th of October and you will be able to find collection tins in many local shops.

Collectors will also be out in Melksham on Saturday 2nd and Saturday 9th November.

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 10th 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.

The 2012 national Poppy Appeal raised over £40million 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.