Remembering Those Who Serve – Launching the Surrey Poppy Appeal.

It was a privilege attending the launch of the Surrey Poppy Appeal 2026 at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright joining HM Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Mrs Neelam Devesher MBE, dignitaries, representatives of the Royal British Legion and members of the Armed Forces community.  Pirbright was a fitting setting for the service, which brought together serving personnel and trainees with those who have long supported them.

The Royal British Legion was established in 1921 and is the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities. It supports service personnel and their families from the first day of service and its support lasts a lifetime. Its expert advice and guidance help with recovery from trauma, rehabilitation and the transition to civilian life.

It was a beautiful service with the solemn Act of Remembrance, prayers and wonderful music from the Royal Military School of Music and Gordon’s School Pipes & Drums. A particular highlight for me was to hear my niece playing the tuba as part of the RMSM band.

As Royal British Legion County Patron, the Lord-Lieutenant presented the first poppies of Surrey to three people whose commitment and longstanding support to the Poppy Appeal has been exceptional:

  • Laura Hayworth, who has been a Standard Bearer for more than 30 years;
  • Warrant Officer Class 2 Michael Braithwaite, who has been the Poppy Appeal Manager for Pirbright Camp and Brookwood since 2017 and whose work has helped raise awareness of the RBL’s support to serving personnel.
  • Anne Cane, who was recognised for more than 45 years as a Standard Bearer and a lifetime devoted to the Women’s Section.

Hearing their stories was humbling. Decades of quiet, steady service like theirs are the foundation of the Poppy Appeal’s success each year.

So, when you see a poppy seller this autumn, please give what you can and wear your poppy with pride. It helps ensure that the contribution of our Armed Forces community is never forgotten.