MILITARY vehicles, marching bands, a Spitfire and even characters from outer space were among the attractions as Dorset towns launched their Poppy Appeals.
In Christchurch, the Royal British Legion put on a display of Army vehicles, had a cadets’ climbing wall and gave people the chance to see a scale replica of the iconic fighter plane up close. There was also a schools art competition.
Mayor Cllr Nick Geary officially launched the appeal, being presented with the first poppy.
Branch treasurer Terina Nunn said: “When people think of the Royal British Legion they think of old people and the idea is to raise the awareness with younger people, which is why we’ve involved the cadets and the Scouts.”
In Wimborne, military vehicles drove around the town and Dorset Youth Marching Band paraded through the Square to Minster Green.
Popular Star Wars characters helped attract young and old to the launch of Poole’s Poppy Appeal at the Dolphin Shopping Centre.
“This appeal is as relevant today as it’s always been considering the current conflicts and the sad loss of lives and serious injuries to our troops,” said Poole Mayor, Cllr Chris Bulteel.
“I would ask people to give extremely generously,” he said. Organisers hope to exceed last year’s total of £24,000 raised in the borough and will be back with the Storm Troopers at the shopping centre on November 13.
Ferndown Royal British Legion handed out more than 270 poppy collection boxes this year – more than ever before, said its chairman, Brian Wells.
It was mainly down to the hard work of poppy organisers Deanne Ridge and Ian Hamilton, he added.
Around 30 people attended the launch of Ferndown’s Poppy Appeal.
Mayoress Jean Read told the crowd it was more important than ever to give generously to the Poppy Appeal due to the number of injured British soldiers in Afghanistan.
Ringwood Royal British Legion’s Poppy Launch saw money pouring into collection boxes on Saturday.
The launch was boosted by Royal Marine Commando Mark Frost and New Forest MP, Desmond Swayne who donned Territorial Army uniform for the launch outside Ringwood’s historic Meeting House.
They were joined by two Royal British Legion’s bikers and Carnival Queen Poppy Morgan and her attendants.
Additional reporting, Diana Henderson and Steven Smith
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