The Kenilworth Poppy Appeal has announced this week that it has raised in excess of £16,500 in 2020 despite the restrictions imposed by the second national lockdown.

In order to still be able to raise funds this year, the Kenilworth branch of the Royal British Legion organised their Poppy Appeal through three 'Pop Up Poppy Shops' in the town. One at Arthurs on Station Road, one outside WHSmith, and the third at the Shakespeare Hospice shop in Abbey End.

The appeal also had collection boxes dotted around the town, but was not able to collect on Remembrance Sunday nor Armistice Day given the respective services and parades in Kenilworth had to be cancelled.

The deadline for banking the funds raised was yesterday (December 1), and the Kenilworth Poppy Appeal officially submitted £16,525.64, over double what they expected to raise given the pandemic.

Speaking to Kenilworth Nub News, co-ordinator of the Kenilworth Poppy Appeal Ray Sheppard said "There is still money outstanding, £350 from the poppy wreaths and there are still seven truncheons which are locked in shops awaiting collection when they are allowed to reopen after lockdown, so we feel confident we will top £17,000."

A significant proportion of the funds raised came from the local schools as £2,170.87 was raised, "this was the best ever by far from the schools, and the generosity of the parents staff and children."

In all, some 22 volunteers gave their time to the appeal this year. Whilst lower than normal, numbers were restricted due to social distancing rules, the fact that collections in supermarkets were not allowed, and by the fact that the start of the appeal had to be delayed, only being given the green light in October.

Ray said "The volunteers are invaluable and without them there would be no collection, I thank them all very sincerely."

Particularly surprising in this year's collection was a decorative box which was handed to one of the collectors anonymously. It rattled so collectors assumed it contained someone's small change that they had been collecting.

The appeal were surprised to discover that inside was £60 in notes as well as change bringing the contents up to £98.10.

"Hopefully they will see one of the posters I am putting around the town telling everyone how much was raised or will read it online."

With the great success of this year's campaign given the circumstances, Ray stressed how appreciative he was of the generosity of the people of Kenilworth, offering his "sincere thanks for everyone's kindness and generous support."

The Kenilworth branch of the Royal British Legion was one of the founding members, and next year will be their centenary.

Given the limitation imposed this year, and the significance of 2021 for the branch, they are looking to mark the occasion appropriately.

"In the New Year we are making plans to mark the Century of 100 years of the RBL as Kenilworth was a Founder member, hopefully in April/May 2021.

"We would like to honour our founders with a short history, we are looking for sponsorship to produce special commemorative material to sell to mark the occasion and raise money for the RBL.

"We will be working with the town council, schools and shops and have some sort of competition and displays, There will also be a church service."

If you would like to find out more about the Kenilworth Branch of the Royal British Legion, or join, please follow this link to their website.