2018 saw the collections for the Royal British Legion raise a record £42,259 after a wide range of fundraising activities to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Armistice.
The 2019 campaign was more low-key, but organiser Carl Lewis was delighted to have raised £40,130 – with money still coming in.
For the first time residents were invited to write tags of remembrance and tie them on the Big Bridge ahead of Remembrance services.
“It’s been another amazing Poppy Appeal, which started off with World War Two re-enactors and finished on Armistice Day,” he said.
“With the Poppy Appeal flag flying proudly from Tonbridge Castle throughout, we had poppy boxes and tins in every part of our community.
“It was a record for a year in which we hadn’t put on any events. I thank everyone who volunteered to help, raised money, bought wreaths, and wore your poppy with pride.”
But he added: “We want to keep the momentum going in what looks likely to be a very important year of commemoration, so I’d really welcome some help.”
This year marks the 75th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, and Mr Lewis hopes to hold a community picnic to commemorate the end of the war in Europe, as well as a church service to mark the conclusion of all hostilities in World War Two.
For information about volunteering with the Poppy Appeal, contact Mr Lewis on hmsstrongbow@yahoo.co.uk
