Poppy appeal bid for record

The 64-year-old is the man behind the annual Royal British Legion Appeal in Swindon.

It has been a frantic year for Mr Baker.

In July, the Adver revealed how he had only four days to find a new Swindon base for the appeal or leave the town poppy-less for the first time since 1922.

Fortunately, the business community rallied round and Mr Baker is now enjoying life at Newburn House in the town centre.

"It has been quite a year. It is wonderful the appeal now has a permanent home and I am grateful to everyone who offered to help," he said.

Mr Baker said the offers of help had 'turned a possible Dunkirk into a D-Day'.

With accommodation problems a thing of the past, Mr Baker is busy preparing for this year's appeal launch.

"I hope we will raise £25,000 this year. Last year I was delighted the Swindon total was more than £23,000. Let's keep that support going," he said.

Mr Baker, who served in the Royal Navy and later the Territorial Army, has been delivering poppies and collecting tins to businesses, pubs and clubs in Swindon for the past couple of weeks.

The Swindon branch of the Legion will also have a poppy stall in the Brunel Centre on November 3 and 4.

While poppies provide a large chunk of the Swindon cash, another important fundraiser is the Annual Festival of Remembrance, of which Mr Baker is the chairman.

The 16th annual event will be held at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday November 5 at 6.30pm.

"I am looking forward to the evening and I hope it will be well supported," he said.

It will be produced by Warrant Officer Stephen Pratt, a member of the Royal British Legion's Swindon branch.

This year's theme is the work of the Army. The guest of honour is the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston.

Also present will be the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Michael Doe.

The programme will include a drill display by Army Cadets and Irish dancing.

The festival producer said: "This year's show is a blend of youth and experience. It is my aim to highlight the work of the Cadet forces who have the right to know and be aware of the sacrifices made by others so we can live in a free world."

Tickets for the Annual Festival of Remembrance can be obtained from the Wyvern Theatre box office on 01793 614837.

ALAN Baker hopes his passion for poppies will inspire generous Swind-onians to donate £25,000.

The 64-year-old is the man behind the annual Royal British Legion Appeal in Swindon.

It has been a frantic year for Mr Baker.

In July, the Adver revealed how he had only four days to find a new Swindon base for the appeal or leave the town poppy-less for the first time since 1922.

Fortunately, the business community rallied round and Mr Baker is now enjoying life at Newburn House in the town centre.

"It has been quite a year. It is wonderful the appeal now has a permanent home and I am grateful to everyone who offered to help," he said.

Mr Baker said the offers of help had 'turned a possible Dunkirk into a D-Day'.

With accommodation problems a thing of the past, Mr Baker is busy preparing for this year's appeal launch.

"I hope we will raise £25,000 this year. Last year I was delighted the Swindon total was more than £23,000. Let's keep that support going," he said.

Mr Baker, who served in the Royal Navy and later the Territorial Army, has been delivering poppies and collecting tins to businesses, pubs and clubs in Swindon for the past couple of weeks.

The Swindon branch of the Legion will also have a poppy stall in the Brunel Centre on November 3 and 4.

While poppies provide a large chunk of the Swindon cash, another important fundraiser is the Annual Festival of Remembrance, of which Mr Baker is the chairman.

The 16th annual event will be held at the Wyvern Theatre on Sunday November 5 at 6.30pm.

"I am looking forward to the evening and I hope it will be well supported," he said.

It will be produced by Warrant Officer Stephen Pratt, a member of the Royal British Legion's Swindon branch.

This year's theme is the work of the Army. The guest of honour is the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sir Maurice Johnston.

Also present will be the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Rev Michael Doe.

The programme will include a drill display by Army Cadets and Irish dancing.

The festival producer said: "This year's show is a blend of youth and experience. It is my aim to highlight the work of the Cadet forces who have the right to know and be aware of the sacrifices made by others so we can live in a free world."

Tickets for the Annual Festival of Remembrance can be obtained from the Wyvern Theatre box office on 01793 614837.