Bromsgrove's Poppy Appeal is launched

Buy photos » Coun Janice Boswell and MP Sajid Javid launch the appeal with Simon Vickers, Patrick Smith, Barry Troth and Tom Coulter. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4312004MMR.

THE TOWN'S annual Poppy Appeal was officially launched by Bromsgrove Royal British Legion (RBL) last Friday (October 19).

Veterans were joined by MP Sajid Javid and Bromsgrove District Council's Civic Head, Coun Janice Boswell, at the Burma Memorial for the event.

The Royal British Legion raises funds to help the recovery of those serving in the armed forces who have become injured in conflicts.

Last year, the people of Bromsgrove raised over £19,602 - £3,314.77 more than the previous year.

And it is hoped this year, the total will be even higher.

Patrick Smith, chairman of Bromsgrove RBL, said: "I know the people of Bromsgrove support this very deserving course and we’re urging everyone to throw their support behind the Poppy Appeal 2012, as money raised will go towards providing vital care for injured service people.

"The Poppy Appeal makes it possible for The Royal British Legion to help our Armed Forces families with direct welfare support.

"Without the efforts of our fantastic volunteers and the general public we would not be able to achieve this."

Mr Javid added: "It's a fantastic way for us to honour those who have given their lives for their country and those serving in the armed forces.

"With the help of the people of Bromsgrove, hopefully we can set a new record this year."

Remembrance Sunday actually falls on November 11 this year and Bromsgrove's commemorations will feature the annual parade from Argos on the High Street up to St John's Church, giving an eyes left at the Oddfellows Memorial. After a service and wreath-laying at the church the procession will make its way down to the Burma Memorial, where there will be a second wreath-laying. Further details will be announced in The Standard in the coming weeks.

Poppy Appeal collectors are being sought to carry out collections on stalls in Bromsgrove Town Centre tomorrow (Saturday) and next Friday and Saturday (November 9 and 10).

* BROMSGROVE Royal British Legion will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) at 7.40pm on November 21 at Bewell Head Working Men's Club, 44 Bewell Head.

The chairman, vice-chairman, treasurer, secretary, membership secretary, Poppy Appeal organiser, standard bearer, assistant standard bearer and branch welfare officer will all be elected that evening.

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