ORGANISERS of this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Grayswood and Haslemere have set their sights on raising more than £12,000 this year. This would be more than £2,000 above last year's £10,652 record, which was in itself double the collection of 2004. And RBL Poppy organiser for Haslemere and Grayswood Michael Barnes, is appealing to residents and visitors to the area to dig deeper than ever into their pockets to support this year's poppy collection. "People in this area have always been generous, but please be even more generous this year to help our armed forces and their families when in need." He explained why volunteer collectors in the area were pushing themselves harder than ever this year. "Our troops are not receiving the support they deserve," he told The Herald. "Many are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan medically discharged because of the terrible injuries they have suffered. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice leaving young families unable to cope financially." "The Royal British Legion, through the support of people in Haslemere and Grayswood are providing tremendous assistance in these circumstances." Mr Barnes said house to house, business and collections at Haslemere Station would continue until November 10. There would, he added, be poppy collections every day from 9am until 5pm outside Boots, Nobbs, Somerfield and in West Street from tomorrow (Saturday) to next Saturday (November 10). Mr Barnes said small wooden Remembrance crosses could be placed in the grassed area on the south side of the war memorial. Crosses, wreaths and vehicle poppies could be obtained from Marley Flowers on the corner of High Street and West Street. Remembrance Sunday will be commemorated at the parish church of St Bartholomew's at 10am. There will be a procession from St Bartholomew's to the war memorial at 10.35am and a two-minute silence will be observed at 11am at the War memorial in the High Street. There will be a short service led by the Rev Norman Jones. Among those attending will be town mayor Stephen Mullinger. Other Rememberence Services in the area are listed below.
