Hitchin has raised £35,000 for the Royal British Legion during the 2018 Poppy Appeal – the highest amount for five years.
As well as Royal British Legion volunteers selling of poppies and other Royal British Legion merchandise, businesses in the town marked the First World War centenary in the town – all adding to the massive total.
The Poppy Appeal organiser for Hitchin and the surrounding district, Tony Norgan, said: “This has genuinely been a tremendous Hitchin town effort.
“A huge debt of gratitude is owed to Hitchin Property Trust, which let us operate from the former Kenmore Interiors building.
“I must also thank Hitchin Initiative for arranging for the schools to put up their stunning displays in the shop windows.
“We are also very grateful to all those with premises who sponsored poppies and supported us.
“This year, the volunteer effort has been amazing with more than 60 people being generous with their time and effort.
“I would also like to thank the Rotary clubs, Cadets. Town Centre Rangers, police, fire brigade, Canon Michael Roden and the church wardens at St Mary’s.
“Those who attended the Centenary Act of Remembrance at 11am were impressed with the integration of the scene at the Cenotaph, shown on a giant screen in Market Place, again, superbly organised and paid for by Hitchin Initiative.
“Above all, I want to thank the people of Hitchin who have contributed most significantly in raising this massive sum of money.
“Our thoughts are already turning towards the future. In addition to the Second World War, our UK Armed Forces have served with courage and distinction in numerous theatres of conflict overseas.
“Indeed, there has only been one year since 1945 that a British soldier has not been killed in action.
“It remains the case that the call on the Royal British Legion’s funding has never been greater.”
Hitchin residents put on events to mark 100 years since the end of the First World War, including a performance from Theatretrain at the Hitchin War Memorial.
In the lead up to Remembrance Sunday, Hitchin Quakers created a display of white peace poppies, which was available to see at The Meeting House in Brand Street.
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