The Midsomer Norton and Radstock Branch of The Royal British Legion raised £11,934, which is amazing, given it nearly did not happen this year.

We will be losing our Poppy Appeal Organiser, which puts future years’ collections in jeopardy. However, the branch has been approached by a potential volunteer and this is being acted upon. The Chairman, Martin Feeney, expressed his gratitude, not only to all the people of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and everyone else who gave so generously, but also to all those individuals and organisations who so freely gave their time to collect.

He especially wanted to thank the outgoing Poppy Appeal Organiser, Mrs Heather Bray, for all her hard work and determination over the years. However, as Heather is no longer the organiser, she has requested that people do not contact her, as she will not be able to answer queries.

It was necessary to cut back on the amount of collection points due to the available manpower, but it is hoped that if the branch can attract some new members, then we can once again increase the number of collecting boxes. The branch consists of only a handful of people, and to arrange the Poppy Appeal and the parades becomes

increasingly difficult each year, so new members are always welcome.

The two parades which took place on Sunday, 13th November were very successful and it is pleasing to see more and more people attending. Martin Feeney also wished to express his gratitude to all the organisations, including the town and parish councils for their support. The number of veterans who joined the parade seems to decrease each year and any ex-servicemen and women are free to march with the parade and do not have to be members of The Royal British Legion.

Wg Cdr Geoff Wilson RAFVR(T) rtd