Remembrance poppy fundraisers bridge generations

If you have ever bought a remembrance poppy in Blandford, Dorset, you may well recognise this grandfather-granddaughter duo.

Army veteran Terry Clarkson has been selling poppies for three decades and, in recent years, has enlisted the help of his 10-year-old granddaughter, Olivia.

The pair have raised thousands for the Royal British Legion (RBL), not just by selling poppies but also through other fundraising efforts.

Last year, Olivia raised £700 with a sponsored swim and she has also been involved in poppy appeal launch events in the county.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, Olivia said: "I've been at the opening of the appeal at the Tank Museum last month, and the opening in Blandford, and for both of those I read a poem.

"Another event was D-Day 80 where there were stalls at the Legion Club in Blandford and they were all for the Poppy Appeal."

Mr Clarkson said: "I think with Olivia and with a lot of children - many youngsters are aware of conflict around the world simply because now we have mobile phones, video cameras.

"It's about being honest with young people about why it's happening and what might be wrong about what's happening.

"People of Olivia's generation are the future of the Royal British Legion and other military charities. If there is no understanding then support for the poppy appeal will fade away."

Mr Clarkson, who served in the 1970s, said he became more aware of the RBL's work after he left the army and felt he "needed to step up and support our armed forces family".

Olivia has been joining him since she was a toddler.

Services are taking place across the county on Remembrance Sunday and on Monday - Armistice Day.

Mr Clarkson, who is also RBL branch chairman for Blandford, said: "I will be quite busy on Sunday but in my thoughts I will be recalling colleagues, comrades, who are not here any more."

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