POPPY collectors who have jointly put in more than three centuries of service have been honoured for their years of effort.

Newent and District Royal British Legion presented the awards at a special presentation evening attended by Newent mayor Cllr June Davies and Cllr Colin Thomas.

Those honoured on the night included Heather Cook and Elizabeth James, both of whom have exceeded 35 years, and in Heather’s case more than 40 years.

They both received a 30-year brooch and a bar for each extra five-year period. 

Chris Howley received a 20-year badge having now reached 23 years and counting, while Geoff Garfield received a tie tack for his 15 years service.

John and Pearl Celino both received certificates of appreciation for five years, whilst John and Patricia Price received the same and a special commendation for helping to organise the logistics for the collections.

Derek Wooden had previously been awarded with his 30-year badge and five-year bar, while others who were unable to be present will be presented with their awards at a later date.

They include Rosamund Broadbent (30-year brooch and five-year bar), Christine Draper (25 years), Sally Anne Grimshaw and 186 Squadron ATC (20-year badge), Mike and Ann Poulter (20-year badge and brooch), and Kevin Shayle (10 years).

The long service awards were presented by chairman Richard Balding and president John Celino.

Most of the schools will receive their awards at a formal ceremony at the Schools’ Remembrance Service at Newent Community School and Sixth Form Centre in November.

Mr Celino noted that the number of years that some of the collectors had been collecting was quite staggering, totalling more than 300 years.

At a separate ceremony, RBL standard bearer Colin Thomson presented Amanda Horniman, co-head of Tibberton Community Primary School, with a certificate of appreciation for five years of collections and a special letter of thanks.

It was noted that the parents and children of the school had raised £195.27 for the Poppy Appeal.

Later a collection jar was emptied and counted in the Kings Arms in Newent. Fred Ellis, the then landlord, organised the collection over a period of time and it raised £259.69 from donations.

Mr Celino said: "These donations and collections are the lifeblood of the British Legion and we wish to express our thanks to all who collect and donate to this very worthy cause."

If anyone wants to join the Newent RBL branch, to help with collections or to make a donation, contact secretary Susanne Brit at [email protected]