Sir,

As we move steadily into 2014 we will become increasingly aware of the centenary of the First World War.

It is a very important time for The Royal British Legion because it owes its origins to that War.

Soldiers returning wounded, disabled or gassed found that there was very limited help or support either for them or for the many young widowed families that were resulting from the War.

Inspired by the comradeship of the trenches these men decided to help themselves. Soon, beginning in London and quickly spreading across every town and village, groups of veterans formed into self-help groups to look after the war widows and orphans and their many wounded and disabled comrades.

In July, 1921 these disparate groups became "The British Legion" and the first simple Poppy Appeal was held later in the same year. In 1970 our patron, HM The Queen, bestowed the title of "Royal" on the charity in recognition of its tireless dedication to serving and ex-service men and women, and their dependants.

The work still continues with the annual Poppy Appeal which helps to underwrite the £1.7 million which the Legion spends every week in its work for the serving and ex-service community.

This is why the Poppy Appeal is so vitally important and it is why we would like to say a huge "thank you" to the people of Chepstow and the surrounding areas who helped us to raise £15,477.49 to date, for the 2013-14 Appeal. Thank you!

Our appeal could have had a higher total but unfortunately many of our Poppy Collectors are getting on in age and unable to put in the same time and effort as in years gone by.

Yet the need is still there, even 100 years after the start of First World War.

Could you help? If you can spare a few hours over the fortnight that the Appeal runs, or more importantly, help to organise the Poppy Appeal in the Chepstow area, then please contact the Chepstow Branch Secretary, Tom Moran either on mailto:[email protected]">[email protected], [email protected]">[email protected] or on 01291 427266.

All help gratefully accepted.

Tom Moran,

(Branch Secretary, The Royal British Legion, Chepstow)