Diss Poppy Appeal launch is hailed success after first day of poppy selling

The Diss Poppy Appeal has officially been launched, with volunteers having begun collecting on Saturday.

Collection buckets will be raising money for the Royal British Legion (RBL) in the run up to Remembrance Day, with a service being held in the Market Place on November 11, including a minute’s silence at 11am.

A parade is also being planned for November 13, with the parade setting off from Mere’s Mouth at 2.15pm.

“We went out collecting on Saturday and have already seen a great response from people, with our poppies almost sold out by the end of the day,” said Graham Minshull, president of the Diss and District branch of the RBL.

“The response every year in the town is amazing, with some people even giving as much as £10 or £20. We always see a phenomenal amount of support and, given how well we’ve done so far, we expect to raise a lot of money this year.

“However much comes in, though, it’s all very gratefully received and will help support an increasing number of servicemen with mental health issues, who are turning to the legion for help, having served in places like Afghanistan.

“The support grows each year, in terms of donations, but also in wreath layers at the service. We have two more groups laying wreaths this year and it’s great to see that support grow.

“All of our volunteers are proud to be a part of helping those people and it’s wonderful to see the community coming together to support such an important cause.

“We are currently looking to recruit extra volunteers, so if anyone is interested in helping out, they can contact our branch secretary, Robert Rogers, on 01379 640271.”

Robert Rogers commented: "I'd like to say a great big thanks to the people of Diss and surrounding area who are supporting the Poppy Appeal, and to Diss Town Clerk, Sarah, for helping to organise everything.

The Diss and District branch of the Royal British Legion is hosting its next meeting at Diss Bowls Club in Lower Denmark Street on November 21 at 7.15pm. All are welcome.

Harleston will have their Remembrance service at 11:00 on the Sunday by the war memeorial at Harleston.