Leighton Buzzard Poppy Appeal launches with £4,000 donation from Old Dunstablians

The Royal British Legion's annual Poppy Appeal returns on Thursday, October 22, and this year's campaign has already received a wonderful boost thanks to a generous £4,000 donation from the Old Dunstablians Masonic Lodge, who are based at The Gables Hall, Linslade.

The Old Dunstablians have chosen to support Leighton Buzzard's Poppy Appeal this year, helping to make a difference to serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Spencer Wisdom, Worshipful Master of the Old Dunstablians, explained: "The Old Dunstablians is a Bedfordshire Freemasons' lodge, founded in 1944 by former pupils and teachers at Dunstable Grammar School. Charitable giving has always been an important part of what we do, and throughout the year our members raise funds to support a worthy local charities

"Our decision to support the Poppy Appeal this year has a particularly special meaning. Wally Randall, a much-loved Leighton Buzzard resident and dedicated Poppy Appeal volunteer, was a Mason and a good friend of the Old Dunstablians. Wally continued collecting donations for the Appeal in the town until his passing at the remarkable age of 104.

"We felt that supporting this year's Appeal would be a fitting tribute to Wally's memory and a wonderful way to continue supporting a cause to which he dedicated so much of his time. We are delighted to make this donation in his honour."

Poppy Appeal Organiser, Laura Lovell, said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Old Dunstablians have chosen to support this year's Poppy Appeal. Their generosity is a wonderful way to kick off our fundraising, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in raising such a fantastic amount.

"The Poppy Appeal is about much more than wearing a poppy. It's about remembering those who have served and sacrificed, while ensuring that our Armed Forces community knows they are not forgotten and can access support when they need it.

"Leighton Buzzard has always shown tremendous generosity towards the Poppy Appeal, and we hope the community will once again get behind us this year."

The 2026 Poppy Appeal runs from Thursday 22 October until Wednesday, November 11.

Throughout the Appeal, volunteers will be manning a market stall on Leighton Buzzard High Street. Residents are encouraged to stop by, pick up a poppy, make a donation and show their support.