Henley Poppy Appeal Collects over £40k!
Henley-on-Thames community and local organisations came together to support the 2022 Remembrance Poppy Appeal. The amount raised in total was a tremendous £40,202.81, all will go towards helping to fund the Royal British Legion’s vital welfare work caring for the Armed Forces community in their times of need.
Henley Herald reporter, Amy Nicholas
Gillotts Head Student, Evie Decardi-Nelson
The appeal began on 20 October with the Gillotts School’s inspirational Head Students, Bethan Toward, Evie Decardi-Nelson and George Fearnehough leading the Poppy Appeal’s message to the town at an Assembly organised by Assistant Head Teachers, Vanessa Sinclair and Matt Druce.
Following the Assembly, a fundraising Poppy Day was held in Market Place on 29 October with the Waterloo Band & Bugles of The Rifles and RAF Benson personnel. This was sponsored by Blandy & Blandy Solicitors, Brakspear and Hof’s Bar, and supported by Henley Town Council, Phyllis Court Club and Honeys of Henley. With the presence of Service men, women and veterans, the spirit of the Legion’s important cause was felt by everybody who attended. Among them was Henley Herald reporter, Amy Nicholas, who gave her enthusiastic endorsement.
Throughout the 17 days of the appeal, several special collections were organised with Henley Cadet detachments, Berks and Oxon Military Vehicle Trust and Henley Rugby Club. Local businesses, Henley Library and HoT WI decorated the town with beautifully crafted Poppy displays. And Rector Fr Jeremy Tayler and the wardens of St Mary’s Church kindly and patiently hosted a Poppy Hub for the appeal.
The Henley Poppy Appeal Organiser, Sara Abey, salutes the small but conscientious team who, like her, volunteer to help this worthwhile cause. They worked so hard all through the appeal offering everybody RBL Poppies and collecting donations. They also undertook many behind-the-scenes chores for weeks before and after, including counting and recording over 150kg of coins. Sara is also immensely grateful to the members of the Henley Rotary Club for stepping up and filling some of the volunteering gaps.
President of Henley Rotary Club Craig Wilson, Henley Poppy Appeal Organiser Sara Abey with RAF Personnel, Veteran Poppy Collector Connie Butt with Henley Rugby Club Chairman Chris Nixon and (visiting) Dorking Rugby Club president Jon Watts
Would you like to join the Henley Poppy Appeal team of volunteers? You only need to spare a few hours a year, when it suits you, but you can be proud that you gave your time to support a wonderful cause. For more information, please contact the Organiser, Sara, by email at henley@saraabey.com
