MONDAY sees the launch of Devon's Poppy Appeal in the Royal Citadel, Plymouth, at 2pm, in the year that commemorates the Royal British Legion's 90th anniversary.

Should the weather be inclement the launch will be switched to the Plymouth Guildhall.

Last year's appeal in Devon raised a record of just short of £1 million.

Sellers and collectors will be out from Monday until Saturday, November 12, the day before the annual Remembrance Day Services around Britain.

ASHBURTON – The Poppy Appeal Year 2010-2011 has now drawn to a close and £9,749.78 was raised in the district. That exceeded last year's total by £170.

The new year began on Saturday, October 1, and the first fundraiser was a coffee morning in the town hall on Saturday.

It realised £245.35 to kickstart the coming 12 months in style, while the forthcoming Poppy Appeal Street Collection is between Saturday, November 5, and Saturday, November 12.

On Sunday the committee is holding an end of season get together in the RBL Hut to thank all members, their family and friends for their support during the year.

There is to be some fun and games, and a mini buffet provided free, at the event, which begins at 3pm and runs until late.

The RBL Hut will reopen in February – date yet to be confirmed – with a new addition to the social calendar, a beginning of season get together.

On Monday it was the annual meeting in the Ashburton Conservative Club, when the committee was re-elected.

A security system is to be installed in the RBL Hut following September's burglary when bottles of spirits were stolen and hundreds of pounds worth of damage caused.

Thanks to Norma Frediani and her team at the Royal Oak public house, the RBL will no longer have to pay the excess on its insurance policy, following the break-in.

Norma organised what she thought was going to be a small draw to raise money, but such was the response from the town that on the draw night it brought in £1,205.10.

RBL press officer Marion Warr said they could not thank the business community and individuals enough in Ashburton for their kind contributions, and that was echoed by Maurice Mann, who said that once again the generosity of the community in Ashburton knows no bounds.

Former press officer Karen Turner stood down recently due to work commitments.

Mrs Warr said the branch wanted to thank Mrs Turner and her husband Nick for all their hard work and tireless support.

Membership fees at £12 have to be paid by the end of December.

DAWLISH – As everyone gears up for the Remembrance Day services, a reminder that the branch annual meeting is in the Park Road Club at 7.30pm on Thursday, December 1.

KINGSTEIGNTON – It will be a little ghostly in the RBL club tomorrow when there is a Halloween disco beginning at 5pm and going on until late.

There is a prize for the best fancy dress – no doubt there will be witches galore – and raffle prizes.

On Sunday it is cash prize quiz night from 7.30pm – £2 per person entry, while there is a karaoke night on Friday, November 11.

The membership draw now stands at £105. Members need to be in the club at 9.30pm on Saturdays to claim if their name is drawn.

KINGSTEIGNTON WOMEN'S SECTION – On Saturday standard bearer Hilary Satterley competed in the Devon County Standard Bearers Competition in Tiverton, and finished third.

Roger Dunn, of Chudleigh, won the men's competition and now carries the county standard at every event it is needed to represent the county.

A Harvest Festival meeting was held on Wednesday, October 12, when a short-service was conducted by the Rev Sandra Gill.

NEWTON ABBOT – Poppy Appeal collectors are needed to man the collection points at Trago Mills between Monday, October 31, and Saturday, November 12.

Hilary Mitchell, Newton Abbot's deputy Poppy Appeal organiser, said if anyone could help they can get in touch with her between 9am-1pm on 01626 353494, or after 6pm on 01626 773714.

Volunteer collectors are also required for the Wednesday and Friday street collections.

Tomorrow there is a Halloween party in the club, when the entertainment is provided by Drew Millin.

Other forthcoming Saturday entertainment: November 5 – Now and Then; November 19 – Grumpy Old Men; November 26 – Out of the Box.

NEWTON ABBOT WOMEN'S SECTION – The monthly meetings in the Newton Abbot RBL Club function room are changing from Thursday afternoons to 11am on Saturday mornings.

The reason – the secretary and treasurer both work and can only rarely get to the mid-week meetings.

All members are welcome to attend the annual meeting in the club function room on Friday, November 25, at 7.30pm.