CAN I please, through this newspaper, express my thanks to the people of Pontypool, New Inn, Griffithstown, Sebastopol, Abersychan, and all other areas who contributed to make the 2012 Poppy Appeal so successful?

To date we have banked £11,000, which is more than we collected in 2011. This was despite the economic climate, so it was inspiring to see people donate as much as they did. We especially thank Tesco Pontypool for allowing us so much time at their store, we realised we got more than £6,000 from our collection there. I must mention the Ladies of MELLO ‘D’, who each year organise a concert at St Hilda’s Church. From the 2012 concert they gave us a cheque for £750, which was a magnificent gesture. I also wish to heartily thank the team of collectors who braved the cold winds outside Tesco for their tremendous efforts.

But most of all let us thank those people who put their lives on the line whenever and wherever they are needed – our armed services.

Ian Williams Poppy Appeal organiser (Pontypool and District)