THE recent Poppy Appeal to help Armed Forces veterans and their families raised more than £60,000 – around £15,000 more than in 2022.
Staple Hill & District Royal British Legion’s volunteer collectors raised £60,835 in the appeal leading up to Remembrance Sunday in November.
Poppy Appeal organiser and branch chairman Ian Campbell said the appeal had raised a “fantastic amount”, adding: “I want to thank all of the amazing volunteers, businesses, supermarkets and schools that took in a tin and helped raise this amount.”
Anyone who would like to volunteer for next year’s appeal should contact Ian on 07950 104450 or email poppyappealbristol@gmail.com.
Ian has announced that he is standing down as branch chairman, after a five-year tenure which has seen the branch revitalised, with membership growing from 56 to 142, with events including new events, coach trips and socials to bring veterans, their families and the wider community closer together.
He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the Staple Hill & District branch.
“The journey has been challenging, but the support and commitment of my committee and members have been truly inspiring. I am proud of what we have achieved together.”
The branch will elect a new chairman at its January meeting.