I AM happy to report that the total taken in this year’s Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal for the Bournemouth town centre area is £24,679.28 - an increase of £ 1,166.78 from last year.

Sincere thanks to so many people, all my loyal band of helpers who stand out in the Square in all weathers during the Poppy Appeal week, the Aden Veterans, Myra, Rad and Pat who man the table in Bournemouth Arcade, all the entertainers who launched the appeal on October 31 in the Square, including RCA Cheerleaders, Zumba Pure Gold, The Land Girls and the Dorset Troopers.

Poppies sale makes £24k Thank you to the Mayor and Mayoress of Bournemouth for all of their support, members of the council, especially Cllr Dave Kelsey who helps us every year in many ways, Chris who supplies the PA system and the stage for the launch and Chris Knight.

And thanks to so many other people who helped the appeal.

Bournemouth residents and visitors, you have donated very generously this year and I do thank you. The money will help the RBL to continue its work helping our veterans and injured serving personnel coming back from the various conflicts around the world and supporting their families and friends in so many ways. Without the Poppy Appeal this work wouldn’t be able to continue, well done Bournemouth!

Cllr Anne Rey

Bournemouth Town Centre Poppy Appeal Organiser