THE 2007 Surrey Poppy Launch has taken place at Whiteley village, Walton-on-Thames, and awards were presented to volunteers who worked hard raising a record amount last year for this important charity. Among the dignitaries at launch were Sarah Goad JP, The Lord Lieutenant, Robert Quick QPM, Chief Constable of Surrey Police, Keith Ovens, chairman of Surrey RBL and Margaret Cook, chairman of Surrey RBL Women's Section. Ian Taylor MBE MP (Esher and Walton) presented 'The First Poppies in Surrey' to Nick Sealy, High Sheriff, Brigadier Michael Roycroft (chief executive), Brigadier John Wallace OBE, Brigadier David Radcliffe (adjutant of the Royal Hospital) and Alan Rice and Michael Murphy, Chelsea Pensioners from The Royal Hospital. In addition, Nick Sealy recited the two original Poppy Poems composed during the First World War, including John McCrae's 'In Flanders Field'. Brigadier John Wallace OBE, Commandant, Defence College of Logistics led the minute silence for all those currently fighting abroad. Canon Peter Bruinvels, secretary to Mrs Goad, said: "Surrey Royal British Legion remains at the forefront in helping ex-servicemen and women and their dependants in financial need through Poppy Support – and it is an ever growing need in Surrey. "The record sum of £798,172.91 raised last year was our highest ever total and is a fitting tribute for their bravery and our way of saying a very personal 'thank you' to all those brave veterans who fought for us over more than 60 years of conflict as well as those fighting today, in the name of freedom, in both Afghanistan and Iraq – many of whom either lost their lives or continue to suffer today. "We will never forget them or their bravery and remain forever in their debt. No wonder the Military Covenant matters, including 'duty of care'."