DRIMPTON residents have raised an incredible £2,000 for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The whole village came together to support a week of events in the lead up to the centenary of the end of the First World War.

The fundraising committee, led by Francesca Hurrell, Kate Hesketh and Sarah Woods, organised a range of events, including a poppy making workshop, various talks, a tea dance, a screening of ‘Oh What a Beautiful War’, poppy display making, a performance of ‘Archie Dobson’s War’ and a village lunch.

Apart from the play and the village lunch, no charge was made for any of the activities, but a plate for donations was available at each event.

Resident Chris Fogg had also written a poem, ‘Seven Men in Seven Days’, especially for the commemoration and to remember the seven men from Drimpton who gave their lives, which was read and unveiled following the play.

This was accompanied by a collage created by a group of artists in the village to capture the essence of village life in Drimpton. Both of these can be seen in the village hall.

The cheque was presented to the members of the Beaminster branch of the Royal British Legion by residents, Mary Trott and Jake Costin at a special coffee morning in Drimpton Village Hall.

The fundraising committee said: “The purpose of the commemorative week was to remember the many who gave their lives in the First World War, to recognise the sacrifice they made to honour the seven men from Drimpton.

“It was hoped that by organising a variety of activities that included as many people and organisations as possible, the village would be united in a common cause and it would bring us closer together as a community.

“The feedback has been incredibly positive – so many people got involved and contributed their time, skills, expertise and enthusiasm.

“Their generosity has been astonishing and this small village has raised an incredible £2,000 for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.”

Tony Greenham, chairman of the Beaminster Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “It really is a wonderful achievement – it is beyond words.

“For a village of this size to have raised such an amazing amount is beyond all expectation.

“We can’t thank them enough for their wonderful contribution of £2,000.”