2016 saw the centennial anniversary of the battles of Jutland and The Somme and raised the public’s awareness of the sacrifices made on behalf of all our futures.
The sheer scale of casualties incurred is staggering and almost too difficult to envisage but is, nevertheless, true.
Whilst the survivors of those battles are now gone and the survivors of the Second World War became thinner on the ground we must still remember those who have sacrificed their lives, health and freedom in support of our way of life since then, whether in armed conflict or normal duties.
The way we show our support specifically is by donating to the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal which assists our veterans and just as importantly their families too.
I am pleased to say that the appeal in Spalding (covering the town, Weston, Weston Hills, Moulton Chapel and Cowbit) has this year raised £25,686.06 during Remembrance Tide.
This has been achieved by collections at the majority of small and medium businesses as well as the larger outlets of Sainsbury’s, Baytree, Marks & Spencer and Springfields and for that I would like to say many, many thanks for your efforts. In addition, these collections were only made possible by our volunteer distributors, collectors and general supporters, both as individuals and organisations such as the Rotary Club of South Holland.
To all these people I would like to express my wholehearted gratitude for a job well done and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and prosperous New Year from the Poppy Appeal.
Peter Lyon
Honorary Poppy Appeal organiser
Spalding branch, The Royal British Legion
