Poppy Appeal raises £40,000 in Romsey and North Baddesley

Royal British Legion supporters from Romsey and North Baddesley celebrated the total at a gathering on Wednesday, January 28. 

The funds were raised during the 2025 Poppy Appeal.

Some of the Romsey and District poppy volunteers who attended the social celebration. (Image: Romsey Poppy Appeal)

The Royal British Legion provides lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families, offering help with physical and mental recovery, finances, legal advice, housing and reintegration into civilian life.

Nearly all attendees at the celebratory event in Romsey have volunteered for at least six years.

The longest-serving were Romsey and District Poppy organiser Kath Garland and her husband Terry, who are now in their 21st year of supporting the cause.

Kath said: "It was terrific to get people together to meet other volunteers, share experiences and toast the success of 2025’s local Poppy Appeal fundraising drive in Romsey.

"However, we need to continue raising for this vital cause in 2026 and beyond.

"It’s important to recognise that some of our Poppy People are not so young these days so have less capacity to give their time, and therefore we will sell fewer Poppies this year than we could unless we have more help with arrangements and so making Poppies available in more areas in and around Romsey for people to buy."

Kath was presented with a bouquet in recognition of her service, while Terry received chocolates.

Kath Garland receives a bouquet of thanks as Romsey Poppy Appeal organiser. (Image: Romsey Poppy Appeal)

More than 40 volunteers support the Poppy Appeal in the Romsey area.

These include ex-service personnel, Army cadets and members of the public.

Volunteers are involved in more than just selling poppies.

They also pack and distribute poppy boxes and collection tins, collect them at the end of the appeal, and carefully count and bank the donations.

Kath said: "We would therefore really welcome more volunteers from Romsey and beyond to join our ‘Poppy Family’. We are particularly keen to hear from people with cars who can help with the distribution of boxes and collection tins across the area, and then pick them up at the end of the Appeal ready for counting.

"From sparing a few hours to a bigger commitment, more hands on deck will help us make more money for this fantastic and worthwhile cause."

Anyone interested in volunteering for the 2026 Romsey and District Poppy Appeal is asked to contact Chris Hayward by emailing chayward@britishlegion.org.uk or by phone on 07517 911534.