New Milton’s Royal British Legion poppy appeal gets off to fantastic start with a £500 donation from DPR

New Milton’s poppy appeal got off to a fantastic start with a £500 donation from double glazing company DPR.

Directors Richard and Jenni White presented representatives from the town’s Royal British Legion with a cheque.

Jenni said: “We really try to do as much as possible for the community and there are special reasons we want to support the poppy appeal.

“My maternal grandfather was in the Household Cavalry and actually took part in the Queen’s coronation.

“My paternal grandfather was a paratrooper and died jumping out of a plane during the Suez canal conflict.

“My middle son is in the army air corp and is now a section commander, so the military services have always been part of our family history.”

Present at the cheque presentation held at DPR’s centre on Station Road were former New Milton mayor Goff Beck, organisers of the town’s poppy appeal, Jane Taylor and Pat Meen, treasurer of the town’s Royal British Legion, Bob Grant and his wife Sally.

Goff, who is vice chairman of the New Milton branch of the legion, said: “We are very appreciative of the donation from DPR. It is magnificent support and a great way to start off.”

Jane revealed how the New Milton poppy appeal has around 100 volunteers who sell them for the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

She said: “We are very lucky to have so many people who want to help. This donation from DPR is a brilliant start for the poppy appeal this year.”

The appeal is not just about honouring the dead, said Jane, but also showing appreciation for veterans.

“Some are still suffering,” continued Jane. “It is important we remember all of them.”

Poppy sellers will have facilities for taking contactless payments and there will also be a QR code people can scan for a payment link.

Jane and Sally were involved in creating a spectacular display at New Milton Memorial Centre made out of hundreds of handknitted poppies.

Sally said: “It took a lot of hard work by an army of volunteers. It looks amazing and we are very proud of it.”