Chichester residents urged to support Poppy Appeal

The annual British Legion appeal honouring service personnel past and present has traditionally been given considerable backing in Chichester with its links to the Royal Military Police.

This year’s launch was no different and was boosted by young cadets assisting with the fundraising drive which was launched at the Assembly Rooms on Saturday.

Appeal co-ordinator Chris Ainsworth believed residents had given a strong reception to the cause. He said: “There has always been some very good support here in Chichester and last year we raised a total of £40,000.

“I hope we can do well again this year and it’s particularly good that we have young people out for the appeal with the combined cadet force that’s linked to Chichester High School and also the sea cadets helping raise money.

“Some people don’t actually realise the Poppy appeal is there to support people who are serving now and it does a lot for the families of people who have lost loved ones.

“It’s an important cause and we’re now about to mark its 90th anniversary – sadly there has only been one year (1968) in which someone in the armed forces has not died. It’s an ongoing issue and people here in Chichester have been very keen to give to the cause,” explained the co-ordinator, who revealed the work of the appeal is a 365-day operation, with monthly collections being gathered at the Assembly Halls.

Cadet Aden Huff, 15, from Tangmere was proud to be taking part on the day after receiving a Lord Lieutenant’s award for his work with his group. He said: “This appeal means a lot to me. My grandparents lost family during the second world war so we should be supporting the Poppy day.

“I’ve really enjoyed being in the cadets and am thinking about joining the army myself.”

Fellow cadet Jake Merrett, of Middleton, also expressed his support and was presented with the same award by Chichester mayor Michael Woolley.

The 15-year-old said: “This appeal is something that’s close to my heart as my dad was in the military and I have learnt a lot about it. I know one of my neighbours is serving out in Afghanistan and will be thinking of him especially.

“I was in the Bognor cadets previously and have transferred to Chichester and it puts you through the kind of experience which you might face being in the army. I’m proud to have taken part in the appeal today and hope we raise even more this time around.”

Mayor Michael Woolley believed the people of the city would dig deep to ensure funds continued to go to the British Legion.

He said: “It’s important to support the people who have lost loved ones, particularly at this time of year. As leader of the council I will be leading the service of Remembrance in Litten Garden on Sunday, November 14.

“I think it’s also important we should remember those service people who have lost their lives in recent conflict.”