ONE of the ceramic poppies which turned the Tower of London moat into a sea of red to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the first world war is up for auction to raise money for Ashburton Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The 888,246 ceramic poppies made up the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red created by artists Paul Cummins and Tom Piper to mark last year’s centenary.

Within the first day, on Monday, the bids had reached £150.

Anyone who would like to put in a bid for the ceramic poppy, which was donated by Ashburtonian Lynn Pugsley, should contact the RBL chairman Karen Turner on 01364 653085.

ASHBURTON ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – The branch benefited to the tune of £250 thanks to a coffee morning held in the town hall, on Saturday.

Next Saturday, October 3, it is the branch annual meeting in the RBL hut. It begins at 7.30pm and all are welcome.

The hut will again open on Sunday, October 18 at 3pm, when everyone is welcome for the End-of-Season Get Together.

On Saturday, October 24, there is a Poppy Appeal coffee morning in the town hall. There will again be a display of first world war artefacts and memorabilia.

Any contributions to the exhibition, either new items or those displayed last year, will be gratefully received. If you have an item you would like to exhibit contact either Karen Turner or John Germon on 01364 652142.

The Portreeve’s Poppy Ball is being held in the town hall on Friday, November 6, and tickets are available from the Information Centre, price £10.

Anyone who would like to become involved in fundraising for the Poppy Appeal should contact the organiser Charlie Dennis on 07779 728690.

He is looking for some additional collectors for various roads around the town.

Mr Dennis can also provide details, etc, to anyone who would like to lay a wreath on Remembrance Day for themselves, on behalf of an organisation or to remember a relative.

KINGSTEIGNTON ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – A club entertainments forum is being held from 7.30pm tonight in the lounge when the committee is inviting members to join them to put forward ideas for future entertainment.

There is a quiz night on Sunday starting at 8pm, and a club committee meeting on Thursday and branch committee meeting on Tuesday, October 13, both beginning at 7.30pm.

Congratulations to bar manager Dave Mitchel and Dan Sercombe on their success in the open pairs competition in the Newton Abbot Darts Summer League.

A reminder to members that the way they pay to renew membership has changed. Any member who has not received a letter about how to renew or has moved since joining and not updated their details is asked to leave their name, address and membership number in the membership box in the club lounge bar.

KINGSTEIGNTON ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION – The annual meeting was held on September 9, which was opened with a welcome by the chairman Joan Gillson.

Shirley Linnell was elected secretary/treasurer and the committee was returned en bloc.

There is bingo in the club on Mondays at 7.30pm, and the women’s section meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm.

A reminder that membership is due on September 31 for 2015-2016.

Tomorrow, it is the Devon County annual meeting at Tiverton.

Publicity officer Margaret Reynolds has stood down and the post has been taken by Mrs Gillson.

NEWTON ABBOT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION – Last weekend, the Royal Signals Junior Leaders Regiment Denbury old boys held a reunion in the club.

There was also a visit to the club of the Submariners branches of Exeter and Plymouth for a social afternoon on September 11.

On Sunday, members of the Royal Naval Association enjoyed an outing to Morwellham Quay, near Tavistock.

Saturday evening entertainment at the club: Tomorrow – Steve Kay. October 3 – Ian Andersen. October 10 – Rock ’n’ Roll with Short Notice. October 17 – A Total Stranger. October 24 – Scott Bradley.

NEWTON ABBOT ROYAL BRITISH LEGION WOMEN’S SECTION – At the annual meeting, on Saturday, those elected were: President – Sheila Franklin. Chairman – Barbara Underhill. Secretary – Janette Stocker. Treasurer – Jenny Sale.

On Sunday, October 11, representatives and the standard bearer Yvonne Daniels will be attending the Newton Abbot mayor Cllr Mike Ryan’s Civic Service at The Avenue Church.