Lurgan and District RBL Poppy Appeal

01/11/2026

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹: A huge thank you to the Windsor Club for holding its annual darts competition in aid of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on Saturday 31 October 2026.

Congratulations to Jack McNally, who emerged victorious after a closely contested final against Bobby McKeag. While Jack took home the title, the real winner was the Poppy Appeal, with a fantastic £𝟭𝟯𝟮 raised through the generosity of those who participated and donated.

Thank you to the Windsor Club, Bobby, Jack and everyone who supported the event. Your continued generosity and commitment to the Poppy Appeal are greatly appreciated. Well done all, and thank you once again for your valued support.

22/10/2026

𝗟𝗔𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗛 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟 🌺

On Wednesday 21 October 2026, we were delighted to officially launch the 2026 Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal at Lurgan and Brownlow Royal British Legion, marking the beginning of another important campaign to support serving personnel, veterans and their families.

We were privileged to be joined by a wide range of VIP Guests, supporters and volunteers, including: Doug Beattie MC MLA; Diane Dodds MLA; Aldermen Lavelle McIlwrath, Paul Greenfield and Stephen Moutray; and Councillors Peter Haire and Kyle Savage - their continued commitment helps make the Poppy Appeal such an important part of our Community. The success of the Appeal each year is only possible because of the dedication and hard work of those who generously give their time in support of the Armed Forces community.

A particular highlight of the afternoon was the wonderful performance by the pupils and choir of Dickson Primary School, who entertained everyone with a selection of well-loved wartime songs, including: It's a Long Way to Tipperary; Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag; Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hi**er. and You Are My Sunshine. Their enthusiasm and talent were greatly appreciated by all in attendance.

During the event, Branch Chairman Sqn Ldr Jim Maginnis RAF (Retd) paid tribute to our late friend and Club Chairman, Clive Higginson, known to all as 'Higgy'. Jim noted that Higgy’s dedication to remembrance and service to the branch will long be remembered. Our thoughts remain with Clive's family and friends at this difficult time.

After the Dickson Primary School choir had performed Elizabeth Maginnis, the Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal Organiser, and Ian Uprichard (Prichy) her Deputy PAO welcomed the Deputy Lord Mayor of ABC Borough Council, Alderman Lavelle McIlwrath, who continued the longstanding tradition of purchasing the first poppy of the Appeal, thus formally launching this year's fundraising efforts.

Following the outstanding success of last year's Appeal, which raised more than £𝟰𝟮,𝟱𝟬𝟬, we are hopeful of building on that achievement in 2026. We would like to thank everyone who supported the Appeal last year and all those who continue to contribute through donations, volunteering and practical support. Every contribution makes a real difference.

As we embark on this year's Appeal, we encourage everyone to support us if they can, helping to ensure that we continue to remember those who served and sacrificed, while providing vital assistance to veterans, serving personnel and their families.

We Will Remember Them 🌺

21/10/2026

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀/𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗼 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲: Due to the funeral on Friday 23 October 2026 of our good friend and Comrade Clive Higginson (Higgy) the Poppy Stalls in Lurgan Tesco and Craigavon Tesco will now not open until 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗺 on 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟰 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲. In addition, the ‘Pop Up Poppy Shop’ in our Clubrooms will now not open until 𝟯:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 on 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟰 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲.

17/10/2026

Stute Quiz in aid of the Poppy Appeal is definitely on Friday 23rd October 2026!

15/10/2026

02/10/2026

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀, 𝗟𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿:

At the beginning of September, I promised you an update of the events that we are holding in support of the 2026 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal; so below are the confirmed dates and timings:

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧 𝗥𝗕𝗟 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗥𝗬:

𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗻 – 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹. To be held in the Lurgan and Brownlow Clubrooms. Ahead of the ceremonial purchase of the first Poppy by a member of ABC Borough Council, children from Dickson Primary School will be performing a medley of WWI and WWII songs. Everyone welcome!

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝟳:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺) – 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝘇 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀’ 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲. This has, once again, been organised by our friends in the Mechanics’ Institute, and we are, as in previous years, immensely grateful for their outstanding support!

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺 – 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. To be held in St John’s Parish Church, Sloan Street. You are most welcome to join us for tea in the Church Hall after the service.

‘𝗣𝗢𝗣 𝗨𝗣 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣’ – held downstairs in our Clubrooms between 𝟯:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺–𝟲:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 on 𝗙𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟯–𝟮𝟰 and 𝟯𝟬–𝟯𝟭𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿, and 𝟲–𝟳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿. This is for the collection of pre-ordered Wreaths, Crosses, Badges…and an opportunity to browse our second-hand book sale where all proceeds go to the Poppy Appeal! ‘Walk Ins’ are also very welcome!

𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – ‘𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻’ 𝗮𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸 – this will be held from 2:00 pm ahead of Glenavon’s NIFL Championship match against Institute.

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟲𝘁𝗵 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟳:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺 – ‘𝗔 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲’ 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲. Many thanks to Lurgan District LOL No 6 and Lurgan Black District Chapter No 2 for their kind gesture of giving donations on the night to the Poppy Appeal.

𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗘 – Tickets (priced at £1 each) are now on sale in the ‘Downstairs’ Bar’, where you can also view the prizes. And for more details of the prizes see the photo attached to this post. The draw will be made during the regular ‘Thursday Bingo’ on Thursday 5 November.

𝗟𝗨𝗥𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗚𝗔𝗩𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 – Poppy Stalls will, once more, be returning to Lurgan and Craigavon Tesco. These will be running from 𝟭𝟬:𝟬𝟬 𝗮𝗺 to 𝟰:𝟬𝟬 𝗽𝗺 from 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 to 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 – 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆𝘀.

𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗫𝗘𝗦 – We will distribute Poppies and Collection Boxes will to local schools, shops, pubs, clubs etc early in October. But if you know of any locations that would like a Collection Box and Box of Poppies then please let myself or Prichy know so we can deliver one!

If you have made it this far, then…Well Done! 👏😀 However, I have one last point… 𝘄𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿𝘀 to assist with the Poppy Appeal. So, if you would like to volunteer to support any aspect of the Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal then please contact either myself or Prichy. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲!

And finally, a couple of quick ‘Parish Notices’ from the Branch Chairman, Sqn Ldr Jim Maginnis RAF (Retd):

𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 – this year Remembrance Sunday falls on 𝟴 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿, and we will be holding our traditional commemoration at Lurgan War Memorial. The detailed timings will be promulgated in a few weeks but, as an overview, we will parade from our Clubrooms in Union Street at 10:10 am, and the Wreath Laying will commence at 10:30 am at Lurgan War Memorial.

In a 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲 after the Wreath Laying, at c.11:25 am we will parade back to 𝗟𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗺𝘆 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗹, where we will hold our annual Remembrance Sunday Service, led by Lt Col Roland Sewell – 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 at 𝟭𝟭:𝟰𝟱 𝗮𝗺. Following the service everyone is welcome to join us for refreshments in our Clubrooms.

Two points to note:

a. The change in location for the service is purely to do with the logistics of moving personnel to the Service in the Jethro Centre, and we hope to return to ‘The Big Church’ once the building is back in commission after the extensive repairs have been completed.

b. The Remembrance Sunday Morning Service in the Salvation Army 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 their usual evening ‘𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 of 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲’, which will 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 that evening.

𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗬 – Wednesday 11 November 2026 we will be holding a short, informal Remembrance Ceremony at Lurgan War Memorial to mark the 108th Anniversary of the ending of the First World War at the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Please muster at Lurgan War Memorial at 10:45 am for the ceremony that will commence shortly before 11:00 am.

01/09/2026

𝗠𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗘𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀, 𝗟𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿: A massive 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 to everyone for 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 incredible efforts in raising an amazing £42,514.67 for the 2025 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal across Lurgan and District!

But, as the fundraising for the Poppy Appeal never truly stops, we are already gearing up for the 2026 Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal that will launch this October. So, please keep an eye out for a full list of upcoming events, with detailed information being announced by the last week of September! But as an early ‘heads up’ here is an overview of what we have already planned:

𝗞𝗘𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗥𝗬:

· 𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭𝘀𝘁 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟭𝟮:𝟬𝟬 𝗡𝗼𝗼𝗻 – 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗟𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹. To be held in the Lurgan and Brownlow Clubrooms. All welcome!

· 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟯𝗿𝗱 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 (𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗕𝗖) – 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗤𝘂𝗶𝘇 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀’ 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗲. This has, once again, been organised by our friends in the Mechanics’ Institute, and we are as in previous years immensely grateful for their wonderful support!

· 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟱𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘁 𝟲:𝟯𝟬 𝗽𝗺 – 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲. To be held in St John’s, Sloan Street.

· ‘𝗣𝗢𝗣 𝗨𝗣 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣’ – this will be held, once more, downstairs in our Clubrooms between 𝟯:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺–𝟲:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺 on 𝗙𝗿𝗶 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗮𝘁 𝟮𝟯–𝟮𝟰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟯𝟬–𝟯𝟭 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟲–𝟳 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿. Drop in for pre-ordered Wreaths, Crosses, Badges…and browse our second-hand book sale! ‘Walk Ins’ are also very welcome!

· 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗙𝗟𝗘 – Tickets (priced at £1 each) will be on sale from the last week of September, when you can also view the prizes in the Downstairs Bar.

· 𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗢 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 – Poppy Stalls will, once more, be returning to Lurgan and Craigavon Tesco. Dates and times to follow.

𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗕𝗢𝗫𝗘𝗦 – Poppies and Collection Boxes will be distributed to local schools, shops, pubs, clubs etc in the first week of October. But if you know of any locations that we missed last year, then please let Elizabeth Maginnis or Ian Uprichard know so we can deliver one!

If you have made it this far, then…Well Done! 👏😀 However, I have one last point… 𝙬𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙤𝙣 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 to assist with the Poppy Appeal. So, if you would like to volunteer to support any aspect of the Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal then please contact either myself or Prichy. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗯𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗱𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲!

07/08/2026

FROM MRS ELIZABETH MAGINNIS, LURGAN AND DISTRICT POPPY APPEAL ORGANISER – SECOND-HAND BOOK SALE AT NORTHWOOD HEADQUARTERS RAISES £277 FOR THE LURGAN AND DISTRICT POPPY APPEAL

Prior to his retirement from the RAF on 21st July 2026 after nearly 41 years’ service, Lurgan and Brownlow Branch Chairman, Sqn Ldr Jim Maginnis RAF (Retd), organised a Second-Hand Book Sale in the foyer of the Northwood Officers’ Mess – with kind permission of the President of the Northwood Officers’ Mess Committee – with all takings going to the Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal.

As per the Second-Hand Book Sales that were held in the ‘Pop Up Poppy Shop’** in our Clubrooms in the last couple of years, paperbacks were priced at £2 each and three for £5; and hardbacks £4 each, three for £10. And over the four weeks of the sale a fantastic sum of £277 was raised – a combination of cash deposited in an ‘old fashioned Poppy Box’, and monies collected by Direct Debit, where Northwood Officers’ Mess Members could pay for books via their Mess Bills.

I would like to thank Jim for donating books from his large and somewhat eclectic collection, and also Jim’s colleague, Major Matt Williams RE, who kept an eye on the venture whilst Jim was back in Northern Ireland on Terminal Leave.

**Due to the success of this endeavour over the past two years, we will once again be running the ‘Pop Up Poppy Shop’, during the 2026 Poppy Appeal. At the beginning of September I will be pushing out a comprehensive list of Poppy Appeal-related events, but as early ‘dates for your diary’, the ‘Pop Up Poppy Shop’ will be open from 3:00pm to 6:00pm on: Friday and Saturday 23rd and 24th of October; Friday and Saturday 30th and 31st of October; and Friday and Saturday 6th and 7th of November. As well as the collection of pre-ordered Wreaths and other Remembrance Materiel, ‘walk ins’ are most welcome, and I’m sure that I can persuade Jim to organise another Second-Hand Book Sale!

I look forward to seeing you over these weekends, and please remember, volunteers to help run our stalls in Lurgan and Craigavon Tesco will be made most welcome!

15/06/2026

LURGAN and DISTRICT POPPY APPEAL - UPDATE FROM ELIZABETH MAGINNIS, LURGAN and DISTRICT POPPY APPEAL ORGANISER:

You may not be aware, but the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal does not only run over the roughly three weeks of ‘Remembrancetide’ – viz, from the third week of October to Remembrance Sunday – but, in fact, it runs for 11 months from the 1st of October to the 31st of August the following year.

Therefore, having received several additional donations over the last number of weeks, I have recalculated our total for the period from the 1st of October 2025 to the 12th of June 2026; and the updated sum raised for the Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal over this period is an incredible £40,394.17 …. and I believe that this could possibly be the first time that we in Lurgan and District have broken the £40k figure! Consequently, a massive ‘Thank You’ to all who donated to the Poppy Appeal, and to all of you who assisted both myself and my Deputy PAO Ian Uprichard (aka ‘Prichy’) in any way in our endeavours!!!

Well, we can all see that the bar is set well and truly high for the forthcoming ‘Poppy Appeal 2026’, which this year launches on Thursday the 22nd of October with the ‘main effort’ running to Remembrance Sunday, the 8th of November! Nevertheless, with your help - and new Volunteers are always most welcome - we will do our best to match this year’s tremendous effort, if not improve on it! 🤞🏻

Thank you all so much again!!! As the attached graphic says, ‘We couldn’t have done it without YOU’!!! 👏🏻👍🏻👏🏻

06/06/2026

A MESSAGE FROM ELIZABETH MAGINNIS, LURGAN AND DISTRICT PAO - A massive ‘Thank You’ to everybody who visited our Lurgan and District Poppy Appeal stall at Lurgan Show today – Saturday the 6th of June – and donated to the Poppy Appeal. It is your involvement in events such as these that keeps the momentum going outwith our main autumn Poppy Appeal in late October and early November.

And my sincere appreciation to our local politicians who took time out of their busy schedules to come over to the stall to have a chat about the Royal British Legion, and the Poppy Appeal. These included local MPs Carla Lockhart and Sorcha Eastwood (MP for Lagan Valley), our new Deputy Lord Mayor Lavelle McIlwrath (pictured), and Councillors Peter Haire and Kyle Savage.

Thanks also to Emma Ward, the Northern Ireland RBL District Events Co-Ordinator, and her daughter Hannah, who spent a number of hours with us on the stall, and it was nice too for our Branch Chairman, Squadron Leader Jim Maginnis, to have the opportunity to speak with our friends Majors Colin and Maureen Bain of Lurgan Salvation Army before their retirement to Canada at the end of the month; we will certainly miss their sage advice, and their service to all of the people of Lurgan.