WOMEN within a branch of the Royal British Legion are joining forces with the famous Military Wives choir.
The events committee within the Willerby, Kirk Ella and Anlaby branch already has a bumper schedule for the next 12 months.
They are planning a visit to The Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, after raising funds for wounded servicemen and women, and also plan to bring the Military Wives choir to Hull City Hall.
Treasurer Kate Goodchild, 46, said: "We are trying to refresh not only the way people look at the Royal British Legion, but also the way funds are raised.
"It is important to remember it is branches like ours that organise and run the Poppy Appeal in local areas.
"If a branch closes through a lack of new members then there will be no one to run the Poppy Appeal."
Although Kate wants to stress the work of the branch, made up of men and women, the events committee includes just herself, Jenny Harrison and Liz Spivey.
The three women say they are "delighted" to have secured the Military Wives, who will be supported by a local rock band along with a children's choir.
Kate said: "Jenny and I were both military wives and we can really appreciate the benefit for women, who at times can live a very lonely existence, especially now that many of our soldiers are involved in conflicts around the world.
"The great thing is that the choir is performing for charity so it is a win-win all round. The concert with the Military Wives is in the preliminary planning stages at the moment. We are hoping to get someone well-known to be the master of ceremonies.
"The funds raised will be going to Alderson House in Bridlington, which has to pull in a further £85,000 every year on top of the normal running costs.
"All of our funds raised in 2013 will go to the centre."
Alderson House in South Marine Drive provides "poppy breaks" for up to 50 servicemen and women, ex-Forces and their families.
They will also visit The Battle Back Centre run by the Ministry of Defence and Royal British Legion which opened last month.
It is estimated up to 600 servicemen and women could be treated at the £27m centre each year.
The legion said it would give those injured in the line of duty the confidence to get back into civilian life or restart their service career.
Kate said their branch of Poppy Appeal, run by David Robinson, was one of the most successful in the country and raised £34,000 last year – along with the £1,000 being presented at Battle Back.
Next year, the committee is hosting a thank you lunch for the poppy collectors and supporters at the Willerby Manor Hotel.
The branch is on a mission to change people's perception of the charity, which has been raising funds for the Armed Forces for more than 90 years.
Kate said: "There is always a need for new poppy collectors and branch members.
"Everyone enjoys being involved in fundraising and the committee does a fantastic job for the legion."
Email kateg@kateg.karoo.co.uk if you are interested in volunteering for the Royal British Legion and helping out with fundraising.
