IN the run up to Remembrance Day, Chipperfield’s organisers of the Poppy Appeal hope people will once again show their generosity.

The Royal British Legion’s theme this year “Serving those who serve” emphasises the need to help those who are serving today, as well as ex-servicemen and women and their dependants.

Poppy Appeal organiser Anne Wyburd has been associated with the legion since she was a little girl and is in her 14th year as a supporter of the appeal. She spoke to the Watford Observer about the importance of supporting the legion.

She said: “Ninety years after the end of World War One and with so many still serving in conflicts today, we must recognise the sacrifices that have been made.

“It is wrong to think that the legion is out of date.

“From World War One and the World War Two through to current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, so many have given so much for their country and the need for the legion’s help grows year by year.

“We must remember that it’s not just about donating money; it’s about honouring the servicemen and women who gave their lives so we could live in a free country.”

From a population of only 1,800, Chipperfield’s Poppy Appeal raised a staggering £3,600 last year to help the legion provide employment for the disabled, and help with housing, health and social problems to millions who have served and who are currently serving in the armed forces.

The legion was founded in 1921 as a voice for the ex-service community and more than 380,000 members continue to ensure that this voice does not go unheard.

Mrs Wyburd added: “Wearing a poppy is a very straightforward way for us to show our support for the armed forces and all they do on our behalf.

“No matter what our views on present conflicts may be, those serving have answered the call of duty and for that alone, they deserve our respect and support.”

Mrs Wyburd says she has a great team of house-to-house collectors, with the oldest being Sylvia Brewerton at 86, which covers every house, pub and shop in the village.

With this year’s Poppy Appeal, the legion hopes to surpass last year’s total of more than £30 million.

Money raised will allow the legion to increase its spending on welfare services at a local level.

For further information on how to take part in the legion’s events or to make a donation, telephone 0845 772 5725.

Remembrance services in your area on Sunday:

Abbots Langley

- 10.55am service at the war memorial followed by service at St Lawrence Church.

Bedmond

- 3pm Remembrance service in Bedmond.

Watford

- 10.40am service at St Mary's Parish Church, Town Centre.

- 3pm service at the Peace Memorial by the Town Hall.

- 10.45am on Remembrance Day, Tuesday, November 11, at the War Memorial, Vicarage Road Cemetery.

Bovingdon

- 10.30am service at St Lawrence Church.

Bushey

- 10am service at Holy Trinity Church, Bushey Mill Lane.

- 11am and 2pm at the war memorial, in School Lane.

- 2.30pm service at St James Church.

Chipperfield

- 10.50am service at St Paul's Chipperfield.

Chorleywood

- 3pm service at Christchurch.

Croxley Green

- 3pm service at All Saints Church followed by laying of wreaths on the Green.

Kings Langley

- 3pm service at All Saints Church Kings Langley followed by laying of wreaths.

Radlett

- 9.15am service at Christchurch. Walk to war memorial at 10.35am. Laying of wreaths at 10.50am.

Rickmansworth

- 9.45am service at St Mary's Church, Rickmansworth followed by laying of wreaths.

Sarratt

- 10.30am service at Holy Cross Church.