Where to buy your Poppy in Chiswick this year to support veterans

Chiswick steps up poppy sales for the Royal British Legion after ‘limbo’ lull

For the first time for several years, there will be poppy sellers at Turnham Green tube station this week for the start of the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. They have been organised by local resident Elisabeth Whittaker with a group of volunteers after the RBL’s Chiswick branch fell into limbo in recent years.

The Appeal starts this week on Thursday 23 October and there will be poppy sellers at the station every day until Remembrance Sunday 9 November 2025. Poppies will also be on sale in schools, churches and shops around Chiswick – as well as at the two Sunday markets that take place during the fortnight.

Elisabeth, who is now the Legion’s official organiser in Chiswick, says:

“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 for the past few years. I decided that something should be done in Chiswick – and am delighted at the support we’ve received so far.”

Children lay a wreath at last year’s Remembrance ceremony at St Michael & All Angels Church

Elisabeth is working closely with Mark James, known to many shopkeepers as “the poppy man”, who has distributed collecting boxes around Chiswick for many years, and with Graham Peach, the current chairman of the RBL’s Chiswick branch, who is also the commanding officer of Chiswick Sea Scouts.

He says the branch has been “in limbo” for a couple of years and welcomes the fact that new people are bringing fresh energy to the appeal.

Angus Watson, who manages volunteer organisers for the Legion in south west London, said:

“We’re incredibly grateful to Elisabeth for galvanising our efforts in Chiswick and we welcome any time that people can give—whether it’s two hours or two weeks. Every volunteer helps us raise vital funds for veterans and their families.”

The Royal British Legion provides a wide range of services to support those who have served in the armed forces. Many veterans face challenges transitioning to civilian life, including employment difficulties, financial hardship, housing insecurity, and health issues. The cost-of-living crisis has intensified demand for the Legion’s services.

In the past year alone, it responded to thousands of urgent requests for financial assistance and awarded grants to more than 23,000 veterans and their families.

Volunteers interested in helping with this year’s appeal are encouraged to contact Elisabeth Whittaker on 020 8995 9255.

Remembrance wreaths at Turnham Green Terrace

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