Poppy Appeal launched with a flourish

This year’s poppy appeal was launched in Wimborne with a drive through by a column of historic military vehicles, which arrived in the Square at 11 o’clock.

In the leading vehicle was Ian Munro MC who fought through Normandy to Belgium in 1944 with the Royal Scots Fusiliers. His task last Saturday (25 October) was less hazardous.

Trumpeter Mark Adams played a fanfare and Town Crier Chris Brown made a patriotic call on behalf of our troops on active service, then Cllr Robin Cook the Mayor of Wimborne made a poignant speech on the debt that we owe to our servicemen and women before buying his poppy from Ian Munro.

The poppy appeal provides resources for The Royal British Legion to help the ex-service community in many ways.

Nationwide last year the Poppy Appeal raised over £30 million. Dorset raised £541,800 and grants of £530,000 helped 632 veterans living in the county.

The Royal British Legion is a national charity, but the help that it gives is close to home, wherever an ex-service person is in need the Legion is ready to help.

Poppies are available in many static points and shops who are kindly supporting the appeal. House to house collections will take place through to 8 November.