Royal British Legion

As I write this note we sadly live in uncertain and troubled times, not knowing what the next news might bring. So may I start with some good news: I would like to build on the information I included in the April/May Trumpet about the use of the 2024 Poppy Appeal. Just after Easter, the Royal British Legion announced the grand total raised by the 2025 Appeal. It is the massive sum of £54.1 million, a truly fantastic figure and representing a 5% increase on 2024. 30 million poppies were distributed as well as 135,000 wreaths.

One can only imagine the logistics behind a nationwide operation of this size and complexity, a herculean task to which we all in Trumpington contributed significantly. Thank You. You will not be surprised that during the period of this issue I will be ordering the pins, poppies and wreaths for the 2026 Appeal which will start on Saturday 24 October.

One consequence of the world’s troubles is that with all the military activity, including some places that we tend to forget, more UK service personnel are deployed, often at short notice, in defensive roles putting their lives at risk to defend our freedom. Anyone injured now, as well as all those veterans and dependents whose lives have been adversely impacted by earlier military service will benefit from the funds made available by the monies raised during the 2025 appeal as well as those of previous years and in the future. May all those deployed return home safely.

Edmund Brookes, 01223 840374