Metro Mayor Dan Norris visited Midsomer Norton’s Lidl store last week to show his support of the town’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Mr Norris spent his visit talking with Northern Ireland Veteran, Chris Copeland and Midsomer Norton’s branch Vice Chairperson, Andrea Feeney whilst they were raising much-needed funds for the Remembrance Day Poppy Appeal.

The Metro Mayor told The Journal: “I know the Midsomer Norton and Radstock community will be generous, like they are every year, and support the branch in remembering the lives we have lost.”

He spoke about the need for people to support the poppy appeal, especially following from the pandemic: “I’m backing the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal 100%. Dozens of veterans and volunteers across the West of England are raising vital funds to support our armed forces communities.

“Just as they were over a century ago, our armed forces have shown this year just how indispensable they are to the nation’s security, from airlifting British Nationals out of Afghanistan, to driving NHS ambulances in Wales.

“During Remembrance, we honour and remember the sacrifices made by so many across our region – service men and service women, veterans and their families.

“It’s so important that we recognise their heroic efforts, so I encourage people to mark this year’s remembrance by doing their bit, whether that’s supporting the local poppy appeal, or passing on the understanding of its importance to the next generation.”

Chris, who was in the Gloucestshire Regiment in the 1970s, volunteers every year for the branch, raising an incredible £1,500 in a previous year purely down to his dedication for the cause.

Chris spoke about how generous the public are being whenever they see him and the other veterans out and about at the poppy stalls. “We all really appreciate it and look forward to the continued support.”

Andrea, whose husband is a veteran of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), volunteers for the branch every year. She told The Journal: “We couldn’t parade or collect last year due to the pandemic so we are hoping for bumper fundraising this year.

“Please continue to come and support us whenever you see us and dig deep this year, if you can.”

For information on the Midsomer Norton & Radstock Royal British Legion Branch, visit: http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/midsomer-norton