Ashby Poppy Appeal has kicked off their fundraising effort for the 2025-26 year, beginning their work across the town and surrounding villages to raise funds for the Royal British Legion. 

The Ashby Poppy Appeal fundraising was officially started at Ashby Tesco today (24 October) by Ashby and District Organiser Peter Edwards with Mayor of Ashby Councillor Damilola Ojuri. 

Fundraisers from the Ashby Poppy Appeal will be at Ashby Tesco and Aldi every day, along with the Co-op on Derby Road on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Ashby Poppy Appeal at Tesco in Ashby (Photo: Grace Kennington)

There will also be fundraising pots and poppies in businesses big and small across Ashby, as well as at Town Council headquarters at Legion House.  

Schools in Ashby have also been all given fundraising boxes and collection pots, as well as schools in Measham, Moira, Breedon-on-the-Hill, Packington and Coleorton. 

Organiser of the Ashby and District Poppy Appeal, Pete Edwards has been involved in the Poppy Appeal for over 10 years, volunteering with the Swadlincote for eight years before stepping into the organiser role when the previous organisers stepped down. 

Pete is working with a team of 30 hardworking volunteers, with support from Ashby Town Council, Ashby Castle Rotary Club, Ashby Spa Womens Institute, Ceva Logistics, Army cadets and helpers from local cub units and Ashby Church of England Primary School. 

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There will also be fundraisers in the street from next week. 

Last year, the Ashby branch raised over £56,600, winning the most increased fundraised by percentage in Leicestershire. 

Ashby Poppy Appeal are selling an array of items fundraising for the Royal British Legion (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Everything that the fundraisers have, including poppies, wristbands, bracelets and more, have no set price and just offer a donation, except the wreaths, which can be bought directly from Pete for individuals, organisations and businesses can place at the war memorial. 

To contact Pete, email [email protected] or phone 07780447117.