Royal British Legion

This edition of The Trumpet will drop through reader’s letterboxes less than 4 weeks before the start of the 2026 Poppy Appeal (24 October – 8 November), so most of the logistical arrangements will be complete. This area’s supplies of poppies, dated pins and wreaths will have been with me for 2 months, and the rota for our table in Waitrose will hopefully be complete. There is still a chance to volunteer so do please call me (number below) if you can assist with even just one 1½ hour slot.

Every year we welcome new faces and I hope this year is no exception. I can assure you it will be a very rewarding experience. Thanks to an event I organised, we already have a donation of over £850 towards our local appeal. We do not collect on Remembrance Sunday (8 November), when every year an increasing number of villagers gather at our War Memorial at 10.55 am, to solemnly remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This is preceded by a service in the Parish Church at 10.00 hours to which anyone is welcome. Every year there are different emotions during the Act of Remembrance, perhaps it is recalling the service of our predecessors, or perhaps the current tribulations in the World where our armed forces are still deployed defending our precious freedom, even if not actually engaged in combat. If you can’t attend the War Memorial, you may like to observe a short period of personal reflection.

Edmund Brookes, 01223 840374