Awards for Poppy Appeal stalwarts

A group of 19 men and women were honoured by the Melton branch for their selfless hours collecting for the Poppy Appeal on the streets of Melton and in the borough, too.

Cis Keightley, who has served the branch and the town’s legion club for close on 60 years and been awarded the MBE for his work, received a special 50-year commemorative badge and certificate from branch and county Legion president Lt Col Peter Roffey.

Husband-and-wife legion stalwarts Bob and Pat Wilson received awards for their respective 35 and 40 years’ dedication to the annual appeal, too.

Poppy Appeal organiser Alan Hodges said: “Every year this great band of volunteers give up their time in all weathers to go out and about collecting for the appeal.

“The folk of Melton borough are always generous when it comes to supporting the Royal British Legion and for that I thank them and these wonderful collectors.

“Not only do the give many hours’ service in all weathers but they go out collecting from their villages and neighbourhoods, too. It is a truly selfless and wonderful thing they do and it gives the branch great pleasure in recognising their efforts.

“The Poppy Appeal year runs from October to September now and so far the Melton borough has raised a magnificent £24,100 with three months to go to the end of our year.”

The branch is, however, looking for more collectors. Volunteers are asked to call (01664) 563302 for details.

l Other recipients to receive awards were:- 10 years – Janet Bamridge, Malcolm Bryson, Ted Stapleford; 15 – Dawn Booker, Elaine Gackowski; 20 – Joan Hickman, John and Shirley Osborne, Peter Roffey, Vikki Scholes, Christine Talbot, Eileen Booker; 25 – David Bambridge, Peter Burgon, George Noble; 30 – Josie Thorpe; 35 – Brian Ward.