Machines whirr as Mirfield’s Poppy Appeal celebrates bumper year

The Mirfield branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) had to bring in special coin counting equipment to tot up the total raised from collections at November’s record-breaking Remembrance Day service, charity tins across the town and donations from local groups.

More than 5,200 people attended this year’s Remembrance parade and service at Ings Grove Park, which was said to have had the largest turnout in living memory by organisers.

Last year’s Poppy Appeal collection was an all time record of £13,098 – and Poppy Appeal organiser Tim Wood believes the campaign has beaten that total by more than £150 this year.

The final amount has not yet been calculated as donations are still being received.

Mr Wood said: “We thought last year was a massive, massive effort, with all sorts of things going on to improve the momentum of the appeal.

“This year we didn’t think we had beat it but it caught up with us and we’ve done it!”

Nine volunteers have been working hard to sort donations placed into more than 250 collection tins placed between Mirfield and Ravensthorpe, with cash counted much faster due to the special machines.

Mr Wood said he hoped to make next year – the 100th anniversary of WWI – an even bigger and better year for Mirfield’s appeal but urged more volunteers to come forward.

“We’re hoping for it to be more poignant,” he said. “The Legion has helped millions – let’s keep that light burning bright.”