Members of the Royal British Legion have applauded the generosity of Rutlanders during remembrance events last month.

The report from the Rutland branch was presented at their annual general meeting late last month.

"It has been another successful year for the branch," explained community support representative, Adam Lowe.

"A particularly successful appeal period has seen unwavering support by the RBL Rutland committee, our wonderful volunteers, the veteran community, Oakham School, Tesco, Co-op, HMPS, ACF, ATC, Kendrew Barracks military community and the house-to-house collectors, to name but a few, as well as the general public support being as phenomenal as ever.

Oakham Fire Station sold and displayed handmade poppies. Image credit: Nub News.

"The appeal was further supported by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland's 'Festival of Remembrance' and our chairman's organisation of a concert, 'Music for Remembrance', performed by the Rutland Concert Band, in All Saints Church."

Since the Covid-19 pandemic the number of house-to-house collectors has diminished but the remaining house-to-house collectors have increased the amount of donations they have collected.

One particularly outstanding achievement came from the Market Overton Village Poppy representative who, having successfully recruited new collectors in the village, had one of them volunteer to conduct a house-to-house collection – and he alone raised £384.63 plus a £100 donation from the village hall.

Poppies outside Oakham Castle last year. Image credit: Nub News.

Mr Lowe added: "The continued support of the Poppy Appeal volunteers is invaluable, and I truly believe that these increases are wholly due to our volunteers and dedicated committee members, as they have worked hard to build and maintain relationships in Oakham and the surrounding villages of Rutland."