One hundred years ago, Britain had just gone to war with Germany – the war that would be ‘over by Christmas’. Instead, after four years of appalling suffering and bitter struggle, there were more than 16 million combatants and civilians dead and some 20 million injured – horrific statistics.

Move forward 100 years to the present day, with the Second World War and many other conflicts behind us and others still on-going.

Today the Royal British Legion carries out some 300,000 welfare and friendship visits every year. It is the custodian of remembrance and the body which not only does so much for those who gave their lives and those who have been injured in the service of our country but also for their dependents.

The Poppy Appeal remembers all our armed forces, past and present, and has been supporting them since 1921.

Hertsmere Borough Council has always been generous in its support of the Poppy Appeal and encourages all to give to this most worthwhile appeal.

Please be generous when buying your poppy and wear it with pride.

Cllr Carey Keates

Mayor of Hertsmere