Record total for appeal

The Southwell branch of the Royal British Legion has broken its Poppy Appeal record, despite a collection box being stolen on Armistice Day.

The box was taken from the bar area of the Saracen’s Head Hotel between 8.45pm and 9.15pm.

More than £7,200 was raised this year, about £300 up on the total for 2007.

The branch chairman, Mr Andy Gregory, said it was a fantastic amount and thanked people for their generosity.

However, he was disappointed by the theft of the collection box, which he estimated could have held about £50.

It follows a spate of Poppy Appeal collection box thefts last year from shops in Southwell and Farnsfield.

“I just can’t understand why someone would do that,” he said.

“Another £50 would have gone a long way. They have taken money away from ex-Servicemen.”

The record Poppy Appeal total was aided by extra money raised in the town’s schools.

Mr Gregory said they worked with Lowe’s Wong junior and infants’ schools and Holy Trinity Infants’ School to teach children about the appeal.

He said: “The schools really did us proud and raised us a lot of money.

“It’s thanks to the parents and to the staff for letting us come in and talk to the children.”

Mr Gregory said they also raised more money with their collection in the Co-op on The Ropewalk than previous years.

Farnsfield Royal British Legion has so far raised £3,250, already £500 more than last year.

Of that total, £425 was raised at the Remembrance Sunday service at St Michael’s Church.

Pupils from St Michael’s Primary School attended the act of remembrance on Armistice Day at the village memorial.

l Witnesses to the collection box theft at the Saracen’s Head or anyone with further information should contact Pc David Insley at Newark Police station on 01636 605999.