British Legion’s charity stalwart packs her bags
Great grandmother storms out of cramped office
A senior volunteer for the Royal British Legion has resigned, citing a lack of support from head office.
Maureen Jopson, 71, has run the Poppy Appeal for Maidstone and her hometown of Coxheath for more than 15 years.
But the Stockett Lane resident says the annual fundraiser, which generates financial support for the armed forces community, has become a “horrendous” ordeal.
One of her key concerns is the headquarters in Marsham Street, which she says is no longer fit for purpose and too small to accommodate the volunteers and materials involved in setting up the hundreds of tins and boxes needed.
In a letter to RBL’s management, the great grandmother said: “Larger premises are desperately needed. But despite being told ‘I have a small budget’, whenever I have found what I thought were suitable premises there was suddenly ‘no money’ – and no explanation.
“No consideration has been given for the safety of myself or anybody who may be helping me.”
Mrs Jopson also complains of a lack of support in running the appeal, which she says takes about three months each year to organise.
She said the final straw was receiving an email telling her The Mall was being set up as a separate district – only after the decision had been made.
A spokesperson for RBL said: “Maureen has been a huge asset having raised thousands of pounds since 2001. It goes without saying that we appreciate all her efforts over the years.”
New volunteers are being sought for Maidstone to fill a variety of roles. Contact Jane Ayers, the Legion’s community fundraiser for West Kent, on 01622 793194 or by emailing jayers@britishlegion.org.uk