Dear Editor - Through the columns of your paper, may I remind people that November is here. Besides bonfires and fireworks there is also the Poppy Appeal - the proceeds from which help ex-Service people in need.

We have had it brought to our notice, very forcibly, recently, that the Services may be involved in action at a moment's notice.

Ex-Service people are not just those from the two world wars.

Last year the Royal British Legion dealt with 300,000 cases of need for help. The calls for help are many and varied and not just from old men; many who have served since 1945 are now finding life very difficult.

There is still a shortage of collectors especially in the Kidderminster Road and Deansway areas.

Also on Poppy Day itself, which this year is on November 10, we would be delighted to welcome anyone who can spare 30 minutes out of the year to collect to help those to whom we owe so much.

Poppies and trays will be available at the United Reformed Church Hall, in Windsor Street, all day this Saturday, November 10.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 11, the parade will start from the top of High Street, outside Argos, turn right down Church Street, across Market Street then up Crown Close to St John's Church for the service at 10.45am.

After the service, the parade will re-form and proceed to the Burma Star Memorial, in Crown Close, for the wreath-laying.

Crosses for the Garden of Remembrance will be available from house-to-house collectors and at Crown Close after the ceremony.

Mary Joy,

Poppy Appeal organiser,

Fairfield Road,

Bournheath,

Bromsgrove.