ON July 14 the Tenbury and District Branch of the Royal British Legion held a Garden Party at the Fountain Inn, to provide a pleasant social occasion at which to say "thank you" to many of their devoted Poppy Appeal collectors and also several Tenbury folk who help and support the Legion in different ways.

Among the latter were the Mayor of Tenbury, Cllr Eric Hudson, and former Mayor, Mrs Sue Perry.

Sue was also the previous Poppy Appeal organiser for the RBL Tenbury and she was presented with a special award for her services by the Tenbury Branch.

Also present were the RBL county chairman for Worcestershire, Mr David Waldron, and the vice chairman, Mr Adrian Wright.

Awards and certificates were presented to eligible Poppy Appeal collectors by the county chairman based on the amount of time they have been collecting.

A Certificate of Appreciation is awarded for five and 10 years and for 15, 20 and 25 years a badge is awarded. Thirty years qualifies a collector for a Long Service Medal (LSM) and 50 years for a badge and certificate, while each five year period from 35 to 80 years qualifies a collector for a bar to the LSM. Mrs Muriel Lanman, who unfortunately was unable to be present, has qualified for the 65 years bar to her LSM.

2018, being the centenary of the end of the First World War, proved to be an exceptional year during which our Poppy Appeal collectors, organised by the Branch Poppy Appeal organiser, Mrs Louise Bennet, collected almost £14,000 for the RBL Poppy Appeal. With the help and support of the people of Tenbury and district they hope to be able to build on this total in 2019.

Following the award presentations members and guests were able to enjoy an excellent cream tea in the sunshine.