Kind-hearted Bognor residents help out Poppy Appeal

The chairman of Arun District Council, Cllr Don Ayling, kickstarted the campaign at Bognor Regis town hall last week.

The councillor said: "I am delighted to help launch the appeal. The Poppy Appeal is an extremely worthwhile and important cause, and members of the Royal British Legion work tirelessly to improve the lives of ex-service men and women."

Volunteers are unable to sell on the streets until this Saturday, but those keen to help are taking their collections to stations and shops to help the appeal.

And while the recession has taken its toll across the country, it has so far failed to affect donations to the charity.

A female collector, who asked not to be named, said: "It's an appeal people care about and will always give to. People have given no less than they always do."

The popularity of the appeal suggests the memory of the soldiers from the first world war endures, but the collector notes poppy day is not just about the past.

"People tell me their stories. Poppy day means many different things to many different people. A mother told me about her son who was on his second call of duty in Iraq. I felt so sorry for her."

Despite the popularity of the charity, it is the volunteers who determine its success.

Primrose Jeffries, the poppy organiser for the Royal British Legion in Clifton Road, Bognor Regis for more than ten years, said getting people to volunteer was not always easy.

But volunteers continue to make a difference by turning out each year for the charity and collecting.

Last year, the Royal British Legion in Bognor Regis raised 12,600. This year, it has planned an event on London Road and hopes to exceed that amount.

"We're going to have a gazebo with jazz musicians and we're hoping to get the cadets to help with the collecting."

Poppies will be on sale across the district in shops, streets, councils and other locations until November 7.

"I urge the generous residents of the district to dig deep and wear their poppy with pride," Cllr Ayling added.

As well as collections, those who would like to donate can send funds to the Royal British Legion Club, 5 Clifton Road, Bognor Regis, PO21 2HH, or alternatively contact the Royal British Legion on 01243 865974.

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