Poppy Appeal Returns to Turnham Green Station

New energy for local branch of Royal British Legion

Elisabeth Whittaker (left) at the stall in Turnham Green station

Chiswick’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal has returned with renewed energy this year, thanks to a grassroots effort led by local resident Elisabeth Whittaker. For the first time in several years, poppy sellers are stationed at Turnham Green tube, marking a visible and heartfelt start to the annual campaign.

The Appeal launched on Thursday 23 October and will run daily until Remembrance Sunday, 9 November, with volunteers present at Turnham Green station. Poppies are also available across schools, churches, shops, and at Chiswick High Road’s two Sunday markets during the fortnight.

Elisabeth, now the Legion’s official organiser in Chiswick, explained her motivation saying, “I have found it very difficult to buy poppies in Chiswick in recent years so I became a member of the Kensington and Chelsea RBL branch and have been selling poppies at Notting Hill station. I decided that something should be done in Chiswick – and am delighted at the support we’ve received so far.”

She is joined by Mark James—known locally as “the poppy man”—who has long distributed collecting boxes, and Graham Peach, chairman of the Chiswick RBL branch and commanding officer of the Chiswick Sea Scouts. Peach welcomed the revival, noting the branch had been “in limbo” for some time.

Angus Watson, who oversees volunteer organisers for the Legion in southwest London, praised the initiative, “We’re incredibly grateful to Elisabeth for galvanising our efforts in Chiswick. Every volunteer helps us raise vital funds for veterans and their families.”

The Royal British Legion continues to support thousands of veterans facing challenges such as employment, housing, and health issues—needs that have intensified during the cost-of-living crisis. Last year alone, the Legion awarded grants to over 23,000 veterans and their families.

Volunteers interested in joining this year’s appeal can contact Elisabeth Whittaker on 020 8995 9255.

A Civic Parade and Ceremony will take place on Remembrance Sunday 9 November in Chiswick. The civic party will assemble at 10:00am at the Chiswick Memorial Club, located at Bourne Place, W4 2EL. At 10:40am, the parade will depart from the club and proceed to the Chiswick Town Centre Cenotaph, where the formal Act of Remembrance will be held.

The ceremony will be attended by Mayor Councillor Amy Croft, Council Leader Shantanu Rajawat, Deputy Lieutenant Ms Rosi Prescott, and Opposition Leader Councillor Peter Thompson, among other dignitaries.

The Chiswick War Memorial. Picture: Friends of Turnham Green

St Michael & All Angels Church will hold its Remembrance Sunday Choral Requiem Mass at 9:55am. Attendees are asked to note the earlier start time. Following the service, the congregation will process to the Bedford Park War Memorial, located outside the Parish Hall, to observe the traditional two minutes’ silence.

Each November, the church highlights its historical connections to World War I and World War II, including the 128 names inscribed on its war memorials. Stories and photographs of those commemorated can be explored on the church’s WW1 Project website, which was developed with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

In 2025, the church is marking two significant anniversaries: 80 years since the end of World War II, and 110 years since 1915, with special remembrance of those listed on the WWI memorials from that year. An exhibition will be available both online and in the church, dedicated to the memory of David Beresford, who led the WW1 Project and conducted the original research.

St Michael’s Church on Elmwood Road will host a Remembrance Sunday service and attendees are asked to arrive by 10:55am to observe the Act of Remembrance at 11:00am, which will include the reading of Binyon’s Words, the sounding of the Last Post on a bugle, two minutes’ silence, and traditional prayers and reflections.

In addition, St Michael’s will hold a quieter Service of Remembrance for Loved Ones on Sunday 2 November, offering space for personal reflection ahead of the main commemorations.