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Records are not available to give any indication of when the Poppy Appeal first took
place in Randalstown and District but anecdotal evidence suggests that a collection
was carried out prior to World War 2. After the end of the War, Miss Heather Webb
became the official District Organiser. She set up house to house collections with a
team of volunteers, the local schools were visited and boxes were placed in shops and
the Old Bleach factory.

Miss Webb became ill in the early eighties and had to give up her responsibilities at
that time. After her death the following year, Jennifer Stewart took over as District
Organiser and continues to hold that position, with help in recent years from her
husband John.

Thanks to the enthusiasm and loyalty of a large team of collectors, it has become
possible over the years to carry out house to house collections throughout the entire
District. Collections in the local Churches on Remembrance Day together with
support from schools and local businesses all help to increase the total achieved. In
recent years, the amount forwarded to the National Poppy Appeal has steadily
increased, reaching a figure of Ł4336 in the year 2000. The generosity of the
community has made this possible.

The need for the Poppy Appeal increases every year as the ages of our ex-servicemen
and women with their dependent families increase, also as the United Kingdom's
involvement with conflicts continues.

Please give serious consideration to joining our wonderful group of volunteers and
lending a hand to this very deserving cause.

Our Poppy Appeal Organiser, Mrs Jennifer
Stewart, accompanied by her husband, Dr.
John Stewart, proudly displaying the plaque
presented to her by the Comrades of the
Randalstown Branch in recognition of her
thirty years service.

Jennifer says her work load was greatly
reduced by the help from John - so a vote of
thanks to John as well.