Frome’s Royal British Legion branch has honoured its long-serving volunteers at a special celebration event, recognising their dedication to the Poppy Appeal and years of service to the charity.
Awards were presented to volunteers marking five, 10, 15 and 25 years of commitment, as well as a special cup for outstanding service. The event also served as a thank you to everyone who supported last year’s Poppy Appeal, which raised just over £45,000 to help serving and ex-serving members of the British Armed Forces and their families and dependants facing hardship or bereavement.
A total of 50 people attended the celebration at the Frome Assembly Rooms, where guests enjoyed an afternoon tea, sponsored by Catley Chilled Foods, Sainsbury’s and Asda.
Frome and District Poppy Appeal organiser Richard Aspray said, “We are most grateful to them, as well as to the many other businesses and organisations across Frome, for their continued support for the Poppy Appeal.
“We were delighted to welcome Clare Peppiatt, the regional Poppy Appeal manager for the South West, as well as our own county Poppy Appeal manager, Paul Bunce. It was fabulous to see them and so many local volunteers enjoying the event.”
RBL Poppy Appeal Awards were presented by Clare to Roger Esson, Terine Knight and Noel Rayner for five years of service; Merika Morris for 10 years; Sandra Elmer, Norman Elmer, Judith Macarthur and Mo Wood for 15 years; and Shaun O’Connor for 25 years. An additional six awards will be presented to individuals who were unable to attend.
This year’s Outstanding Service to the Poppy Appeal cup was presented to the Frome branch of the Royal Naval Association. Richard explained, “This recognised their tremendous service in covering the last two hours on the Sainsbury’s poppy stall every single day of the appeal.”
He added, “Frome is great at raising money to support good causes, with help from our local community and in cooperation with our local businesses. This year’s Poppy Appeal starts on 23rd October.”
If you would like to support the Frome and District Poppy Appeal as a volunteer, organisation or business, please contact Richard on 07511 961248.
