New fundraising ball for Poppy Appeal

The 2025 Poppy Appeal is about to be launched, and a new fundraising ball will take place in Aylsham.

Last year, the Aylsham & District branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL) was delighted to raise more than £23,000.

This year, volunteers will once again be working hard to raise vital funds to support servicemen and women who have served in conflicts across the world.

And the town’s first-ever Poppy Ball will take place at Aylsham High School on Friday, October 24, featuring a two-course meal, live music, and a disco.

Profits from the event will go to the Poppy Appeal and organiser Derek Tomkinson said: “I’m hoping it’s going to take off really well and my vision is it will be an annual event to kick off the Poppy Appeal.”

REMEMBRANCE: Poppy Appeal organiser Derek Tomkinson. Picture: HSR PHOTOGRAPHY

Tickets for the black tie event are £40 and include a drink on arrival (7pm for 7.30pm) and a meal. Musical entertainment will be provided by singing duo Claire and Pearl, and Musky’s Disco. There will also be a raffle and cash bar. Derek, the Poppy Appeal organiser for Aylsham, praised the community for their ongoing support. “The people of Aylsham are brilliant as far as giving is concerned. It’s phenomenal.”

The national Poppy Appeal will be launched on October 23 and volunteers will be staffing tables in Tesco and Budgens, in Aylsham, from October 25. There will be a pop-up stall in Aylsham Market Place on Saturday, November 1, and collecting tins will also be available in shops and businesses across the area.

Tickets for the Poppy Ball can be bought directly from Derek Tomkinson at 14 The Orchards, Aylsham (next to Budgens and opposite The Manor). Derek will be able to take card payments and for further information, please email him at derek_ tomkinson@hotmail.com You can also email Derek if you’d like to volunteer with the Poppy Appeal and to make enquires about wreaths.

See the next edition of Just Aylsham for a preview of events to mark Remembrance Sunday on November 9 and Armistice Day on November 11.