'Triple launch' in three supermarkets kickstarts Bognor Regis poppy appeal

The launch took place across three Bognor Regis supermarkets.

With a triple launch at Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets, the Bognor Regis Poppy Appeal got off to a strong start over the weekend.

Taking place on Saturday, October 26 across all three supermarkets, the appeal gave community figures from across Bognor Regis a chance to pitch in and help.

Joining the Royal British Legion, which organises poppy drives up and down the UK, were Sea Cadets from the Bognor Regis-based training ship TS Sir Alec Rose, volunteers from the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) and town mayor Claire Needs.

Working alongside them was Lieutenant Commander Mike Jacques; a nuclear submarine officer who has served on the HM Submarines Astute, Artful, Audacious and Anson.

Writing to the Bognor Regis Observer, a spokesperson for the Bognor Regis Poppy Appeal reminded readers of the point and power of the yearly donation drive: “To remember those who had given the ultimate sacrifice and died for their country as well as supporting ex-soldiers, sailors and airman and their families who had been left disadvantaged because of their military service.”

Heading up a second front at Tesco’s and Sainsburys was Deputy Mayor Gill Yeates, who worked alongside some more cadet volunteers to encourage donations and keep spirits high. Jackie Hayes, the Tesco’s Community Champion, helped provide ‘the perfect backdrop’ for the campaign launch, while in Tesco’s Royal Marine veteran Nigel Ede and ex-Army Medical Corps member Derek Baker were pulling in the pennies and coaxing in the pounds.

But Saturday’s efforts are just the first push in a long-term campaign. Unmanned collection tins have been delivered to 105 locations throughout Bognor Regis, Bersted, Aldwick and Pagham, with each of the thirteen schools in the area pulling their weight and chipping in. It’s a massive, town-wide effort, which regularly reaps huge rewards.

In 2023, despite hardship caused by the Shripney Road autumn floods, the appeal raised an incredible £24,000 – a figure organisers are no doubt keen to build on as Remembrance Day celebrations, set to take place at the Bognor Regis cenotaph on November 10, inch closer.

The Poppy Appeal is organised every year by the Royal British Legion – the UK’s leading military charity. To find out more and donate directly, visit britishlegion.org.uk