Stone’s Royal British Legion branch is hoping to welcome new members and volunteers, with one of its longstanding supporters keen to remind residents that you don’t need a military background to get involved.
Local volunteer Dave Babb, who has supported the Poppy Appeal since 2010, wants to raise awareness of the branch and encourage more people to take part in its activities, whether that’s helping with fundraising, attending meetings or simply supporting its work.
The appeal comes as the Royal British Legion launches its annual Poppy Appeal, with local volunteers preparing to collect donations in Stone’s supermarkets.
You don’t need to have served to join
One of the biggest misconceptions Dave hopes to address is that Royal British Legion membership is only available to serving military personnel or veterans.
In fact, membership is open to everyone, regardless of whether they have any connection to the Armed Forces.
Annual membership starts at £24, with people able to join the Stone branch, attend meetings and become more involved if they wish.
Dave explained
“Many local volunteers (including myself) are civilians and have no military experience, all you need is a desire to help.”
The Stone branch is keen to welcome people who can spare some time to support its activities, particularly fundraising events such as the Poppy Appeal.
Members meet locally, with The Star pub providing private meeting space. Dave expressed his thanks to the pub for its continued hospitality, including what he describes as a welcome pint of Pedigree.
The branch is also looking to increase its visibility online and would welcome more residents following its Facebook page, ‘Stone Branch of the Royal British Legion’, where it shares information about local activities.
A young fundraiser who made a lasting impression
For Dave, volunteering has been a rewarding experience, and one particular memory from his years helping with the Poppy Appeal has stayed with him.
He recalled a mother visiting Stone’s former Co-op supermarket, now B&M, accompanied by her young daughter.
The girl had spent her weekend baking cakes, which she then sold at school, before donating the money she raised to the appeal.
It was a gesture that left a lasting impression on Dave and reminded him that support for the Poppy Appeal comes from people of all ages.
Dave said
“The poppy appeal is very rewarding to be involved with, it really brings the best out in people.”
That generosity was reflected in last year’s local fundraising total. According to Dave, Stone raised £34,482.61 for the Poppy Appeal in 2025, a figure the branch would love to exceed this year.
Dave and his fellow volunteers have thanked everyone who contributed and hope residents will continue to support the appeal over the coming weeks.
More than just the Poppy Appeal
Although the annual Poppy Appeal is perhaps the Royal British Legion’s most recognisable activity, the Stone branch is keen to build awareness of its work throughout the year.
Earlier in 2026, ALBOS reported on the branch’s plans for a Great Tommy Sleep Out on Stone High Street, part of a fundraising initiative supporting veterans facing homelessness and hardship.
Looking ahead, the branch is also considering a special celebration of the Poppy Appeal in 2027, with further details expected next year.
This year’s appeal takes place ahead of Stone’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations on Sunday 8 November. Residents planning to attend can find the parade arrangements and details of the Walton and Armistice Day services in our guide to Stone’s 2026 Remembrance events.
How to join or support the Stone branch
Anyone interested in joining can become a member through the official Royal British Legion website, where they can choose to join the Stone branch.
Residents who would prefer to volunteer can also find information about helping with the Poppy Appeal.
Dave is encouraging residents to follow the local branch’s Facebook page, ‘Stone Branch of the Royal British Legion‘, to learn more about its activities and opportunities to help.
He has also urged anyone purchasing poppy merchandise online to use the official Royal British Legion Poppy Shop, rather than unofficial sellers whose products may not benefit the charity.
For Dave and his fellow volunteers, the hope is that more Stone residents will discover the branch and consider getting involved, whether they have a military connection or not.
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