A RECORD amount has been raised by Wokingham residents in this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Organisers of the appeal said that £53,612.95 has been given in this the centenary year of the armistice that marked the end of the First World War.
And almost of sixth of that total has been raised by the Barkham Hookers, a group of crochet fans who have created eco-friendly crocheted poppies for people and pets as well as the town centre decorations that played a big role in this year’s commemorations.
The £53,000 is a vast difference from the first appeal, which in 1921 raised £276 and four shillings – around £11,730, allowing for inflation.
On Friday, Gaynor White – the madam of the Barkham Hookers – presented a cheque to the Wokingham Poppy Appeal for £9,432.27, as a result of their efforts.
Town mayor Cllr Julian McGhee-Sumner received the cheque together with David Dunham, who coordinates the Poppy Appeal.
The event took place in Denmark Street’s Sanpa, where the group meet regularly.
Mr Dunham told the Hookers: “I am pleasantly shocked and surprised, thank you very much.”
And Barkham Hookers madam Gaynor White was equally delighted.
She said: “We’re ecstatic – overwhelmed actually. We’ve been trying to raise more each year and we’ve beaten our previous high point.
“The money was raised from sales of crocheted poppies, pet poppies made for pets to wear including for dogs and for horses’ bridles.
“And we helped decorate the town hall, we’ve sold off a lot of these decorations.”
When asked if they felt they could top the £9,000 next year, she said: “You never know, but this is extraordinary.”
At the presentation, Cllr McGhee-Sumner praised their efforts and the Hookers carried on knitting.
Afterwards, Mr Dunham said: “In June of 1921 the Royal British Legion was formed, the same year the Wokingham Branch became the third of those to open, launching its first Appeal raising £276 and 4 shillings.
“Ninety seven years later sadly there is no Royal British Legion in Wokingham, however still going strong is the Wokingham Poppy Appeal.
“With help from all over we continue to thrive: Wokingham Town Council, the people of Wokingham, the businesses and other organisations.
“As usual, we get tremendous support from the Ladies of Barkham Hookers who crochet poppies all year round to sell during the appeal.
“A number of special events were also held: We had the most amazing Field of remembrance which can now be seen at the War Memorial at All Saints Church.
“The culmination of all these things led to what is the highest amount ever raised in Wokingham – £53,612.95.”
And Mr Dunham has a special connection with the appeal, which he says is an honour.
“As a child, I was putting the Poppies together, riding on the floats at summer carnivals and, for the last 12 years, I’ve been Poppy Appeal Organiser.
“In those 12 years we have raised more than £400,000.
“A town of Wokingham’s size has always been great and am sure will continue to do so.
“Thank you for all the helpers, collectors and, of course, you the people of Wokingham.”
