Harpenden Lions Back the Poppy Appeal Once Again
Every November, the red poppy appears on coats across Harpenden. Behind those small paper flowers is a great deal of organising, collecting and quiet dedication, and Harpenden Lions Club is proud to be part of it again this year.
A Record to Celebrate
The 2025 Poppy Appeal raised £31,000, a total announced at a social evening at Bennetts RBL Harpenden on 24th September. The evening also gave us the chance to recognise the people who make the appeal possible. John and Denise Powell received certificates of appreciation for an amazing 45 years of help. David Cowan and Dave Price were recognised for 10 years of assistance. Their commitment is an inspiration to all of us.
Supporting the Royal British Legion
Harpenden Lions Club is helping the Harpenden Branch of The Royal British Legion with its annual Poppy Appeal. Several Lions are Deputy Appeals Organisers, and Lions members assist before, during and after the collections.
The Royal British Legion supports members of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, veterans and their families. That support depends on the generosity of the local community.
What Lions Do
This year, Lions members will be:
· Distributing poppies to schools, shops and offices across Harpenden, Batford and Wheathampstead
· Collecting in the town, offering poppies to shoppers
· Collecting at the station, offering poppies to commuters on their way to work
· Counting the proceeds, so every donation is accounted for
Key Dates for 2026
The appeal begins with the opening of the Field of Remembrance and the launch at the War Memorial on the High Street at 11am on Saturday 24th October. Collections run until Sunday 8th November, which is Remembrance Sunday.
Get Involved
The appeal relies on volunteers. If you can spare an hour or two during the collecting period, you can help keep the work going. To volunteer please contact the appeals organiser Rosemary Crofts 07983 429771 or rose.familycrofts@btinternet.com.
Wearing a poppy and supporting the collection is a simple way to honour those who have served, and to be part of a community that remembers them.
Why Lions Are Involved
Lions Clubs have always been about practical service, and supporting the Poppy Appeal is one of the ways we put that into action in Harpenden. Helping a local branch of a national charity, meeting neighbours on the High Street and standing alongside veterans and their families all reflect the Lions motto of “We Serve.”
To find out more about Harpenden Lions, visit www.harpenden-lions.co.uk, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or come along to one of our meetings.
