Actress recites poems as Poppy Appeal is launched in Surrey

THE Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Sarah Goad, and the actress Penelope Keith, presented poppies to Chelsea pensioner, Kenneth Wilson, a veteran of the second world war, and the head of school, Mustafa Van Hien, at Charterhouse on Tuesday

The mayors and chairmen of the Surrey boroughs and districts and the mayor of Kingston-upon-Thames attended.

The high sheriff and the chief constable of Surrey as well as the chairman of Surrey County Council were also present.

Miss Keith, who is an active member of the legion's Surrey Appeals Committee, recited the original poppy poem "In Flanders fields the poppies blow", which Colonel John McCrae composed at Ypres in 1915, and the poem written in reply by Miss Moina Michael.

The headmaster of Charterhouse, the Reverend John Witheridge, hosted the event.

The Royal British Legion fund-raising campaign provides help for British service and ex-service people in need and their dependants.

Although the majority of those being helped tend to be pensioners, many of the younger generations who were involved in more recent conflicts, including the Falklands, the Gulf, Bosnia and Kosovo are seeking help from the Poppy Appeal.

Last year this raised £20m nationally and Surrey yet again increased its contribution with record £662,696.35.