Rotary volunteers save Poppy Appeal

Volunteers has stepped forward to save Maidstone’s Poppy Appeal.

Members of the Rotary Club of Maidstone will distribute collection tins to about 300 locations in the town, and return the proceeds to the Royal British Legion after Remembrance Sunday.

Maidstone’s Poppy Appeal is currently without an organiser after Maureen Jopson, who single-handedly co-ordinated it for more than 15 years, resigned earlier this year. The dedicated volunteer complained of a lack of support for the campaign, which she spent three months organising each year.

A key concern was the appeal’s current headquarters in Marsham Street, which she said was too small to accommodate the volunteers and materials involved.

Last November the Maidstone division raised almost £47,000, but without the extra support from the Rotarians this year, there would have been limited poppies available in the County Town.

Jane Ayers, community fundraiser for west Kent, said: “We would have raised hardly anything this year without this invaluable offer.

“Next year we would be grate- ful to hear from anyone willing to take responsibility for suburbs of Maidstone including Coxheath, Tovil, Penenden Heath, Sandling, Park Wood and Shepway.

“With the continued support of the Rotarians, new organisers will have experienced and motivated volunteers already in place to ensure a successful appeal.”

Support has also been provided by Fremlin Walk Management and army, air and sea cadets along with a new appeal volunteer for The Mall.

The Rotary campaign is being led by past president Doug Baguley. He said: “This is such an important and well supported appeal and we see this as a very worthwhile Maidstone community endeavour.”