Cllr Angela Graham calls on residents to give generously

The annual appeal, which this year celebrates its 91st anniversary, is organised by the Royal British Legion.

The council is a keen supporter of the appeal and has arranged for poppy collection boxes to be placed around the town hall.

Last year the appeal raised nearly £40m which is being used to provide practical help to men and women who are currently serving, or have previously served in the armed forces, as well their dependants, especially during times of hardship and distress.

This support includes helping widows and relatives visit the graves of loved ones buried overseas, providing residential and nursing home places, making visits to the housebound and long term sick, and representing veterans and their descendants at war pension appeal tribunals.

Around half of the money raised each year is spent on grants for disabled ex-servicemen and women and on helping equip people for civilian life through interest free small business loans and job training.

Cllr Graham said: “The Royal British Legion does an incredibly important job assisting those who have fought and their families. By giving generously to their appeal you can help support those who have given so much for their country.”

In the run up to Remembrance Sunday, the legion's flag will fly from flagpoles at the town hall in recognition of the charity's invaluable work.

The Royal British Legion was founded in 1921 and produced its first poppies a year later. It currently has around 400,000 members, although more than ten million people are eligible for its help.

More than 16,000 British service personnel have been killed or injured on active service since 1945.
 
November 2, 2010