Poppy Appeal 2014 – British Legion is “Overwhelmed” by Local Generosity

Sam Scammell's ever popular knitted poppy brooches

This year's Poppy Appeal is now virtually finished. Nearly all of the donations have been counted and banked. In my role as the current Poppy Appeal Organiser, I am now busy writing thank you cards to all those who helped with the Appeal.

The total amount of donations for Wincanton and District, for this year, is £15,635. This is about £2000 greater than the amount collected at this time last year. The generosity of local people is quite overwhelming.

So on behalf of the Royal British Legion may I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who was involved? These thanks go out to collectors, donators, counters, and supporters throughout our area.

May I also just mention a few interesting facts about this year’s appeal:

Peter Garrett in more sombre attire

Chelsea Pensioner Paddy Fox, who is a Wincanton Legion Member, came down from London, and joined our collectors at Morrisons. He was received extremely well, and he also managed to collect £173 during his short stay in the store. Paddy was also guest of honour at a charity dinner in Horsington, organised by Belinda Mann, where half the proceeds will go to our Poppy Appeal and the other half to Help for Heroes.

Our very own Peter Garrett put in a sterling effort, keeping the Morrisons Customers entertained with his merry banter. And despite his unusual appearance, in a bright Christmas jumper, he managed to collect £2687.

The Castle Cary Air Cadets and the Castle Cary Army Cadets turned out in force at Wincanton Racecourse, and despite appalling weather conditions they managed to collect £2079.

Dawn Old held a Coffee Morning at The Studio, Wincanton, and Sam Scammell knitted her ever popular Poppy brooches. Together they raised £433.

Dawn Old presenting us with £433 raised at The Studio, Wincanton

Christine Rose, with her boundless energy, deployed herself all around the town and managed to collect £730.

I have only mentioned the above points of interest to give a bit of colour to this year’s appeal. However I must emphasize once again that everyone involved is considered to be important to the Legion's success. Their help is greatly appreciated, without it the charity would be unable to continue its vital welfare and benevolent work.

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