A RECORD £26,500 was raised for The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal last year by residents of Haslemere, Grayswood, Critchmere and Shottermill, – and hopes are high this year’s total will be even higher.

Haslemere Poppy Appeal organiser borough and town councillor Jim Edwards and his team of loyal and long-serving supporters, gathered at Haslemere station last Tuesday to launch the 2017 campaign. Also showing her support, was Waverley Leader Farnham councillor Julia Potts.

Michael Barnes, who organised the appeal from 2004-2015, is back as a volunteer helper, and former town mayor Brian Howard is, once again, making sure everyone travelling through the town is aware of Remembrance Sunday on November 12, with an eye-catching “stream” of big “lamp post poppies”, stretching from Grayswood to Hindhead.

Collections start at the station and throughout the town on Saturday, October 28, and continue until Saturday, November 11.

Small wooden crosses can be obtained from Hammonds Newsagents at the station and Marley Flowers and placed in the grass on the Garden of Remembrance lawn next to the High Street War Memorial. Vehicle poppies and double-sided poppy on sticks to put in front gardens or street entrances can also be obtained for a donation.

Mr Edwards said: “Please wear your poppy with pride as we remember all those men and women who gave their lives or suffered injuries whilse serving our country.

“Many of our young servicemen and women continue to work in considerable danger resulting all too often in the loss of lives or suffering serious and life changing injuries. The Royal British Legion, through your generosity provides them and their dependents with financial and psychological support when they are at their most vulnerable.

“In 2016, we collected a record £26,500 plus. Your contributions really do make a difference, as we stand shoulder to shoulder with all who serve our country in these exacting times.”

More volunteers are welcomed - see Herald Letters Page - both for the poppy appeal and to act as stewards at Haslemere’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service of commemoration on Sunday, November 12.

Email [email protected] to join the poppy lamp post team.