Legion launches Axminster's Poppy appeal

Axminster branch of the Royal British Legion, celebrating its 100th anniversary year, have launched the town's 2021 Poppy Appeal.

Branch and Women's Section members started their fundraising with a coffee morning and cake stall in the Church Room today (Thursday).

Members will also be collecting at the town's two main supermarkets - Tesco and the Co-op - between November 4th and 7th.

On Armistice day (November 11th) the branch chaplain, the Reverend Geoffrey Walsh, will be conducting a short service at the War Memorial on the Minster Green at 11 am involving the local schools.

A parade through the town will be held on Remembrance Sunday (November 14th) starting at the South Street car park, followed by a service on the Minster Green where wreaths will be laid at the War memorial to honour the men of Axminster and district who lost their lives in the two world wars.

The service will be attended by the Deputy Lieutenant of Devon, Mr Brian Wills-Pope.

Next year sees the 95th anniversary of the Axminster branch Women's Section, to be celebrated with a special church service in May to coincide with the VE Day commemorations.

The principal guest of honour will be the current Devon County Women's president, the Right Hon Sarah Lopes, who is the granddaughter of Legion founder Lord Haig.