Firstly I would like to say a huge thank you to all those who helped in any way for last year’s Poppy Appeal. We raised more than 40k locally which is fabulous – so thank you.

Looking forward, the appeal is launched on Saturday and runs until November 9. The Legion stands shoulder to shoulder with all who serve and the appeal for 2013 continues to be all about the Armed Forces and their families.

Armed Forces families are at the heart of our welfare – we help not only those who serve but the mothers, fathers, partners and children of our serving personnel past and present. The Poppy Appeal makes it possible to provide £1.7 million-worth of direct welfare support every week. That’s £90million a year, answering more than 165,000 calls for help.

The Legion has committed £50million over ten years to support the MoDs programme of recovery for wounded, injured and sick Armed Forces personnel in partnership with Help for Heroes. The support we provide is just as important now as it was 92 years ago – if you can spare an hour to help collect money or help collect boxes after November 11, please contact me via the RBL HW 01494 448863 or email hwbranch360@ gmail.com Kevin Taylor Poppy Appeal Organiser