EASTENDERS star Ross Kemp is urging Somerset drinkers to back the Royal British Legion (RBL) at county pubs as part of this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Marston’s and the RBL are launching a new, limited-edition commemorative glass for this year’s appeal, with RBL ambassador Ross Kemp encouraging punters to visit one of a number of Somerset pubs to pick one up this November.
Last year, the Raise a Glass campaign raised more than £94,000 for the charity, with Marston’s aiming to raise crucial funds and awareness in support of the Armed Forces community this year.
This year’s glasses, available in pint (£3) and half-pint (£2.50) sizes, feature exclusive artwork designed by Royal Marine veteran and artist, Colin Waite.
Colin served in the Falklands conflict and now immortalises his experiences into powerful illustrations.
His 2025 design shows poppies blooming across the rugged Falklands landscape.
Royal British Legion ambassador and long-time supporter of the Armed Forces, Ross Kemp, joined Colin to see his designs on the glasses for the first time at The Oakingham Belle pub in Wokingham.
The pair were joined by two other veterans, who are both now landlords of Marston’s pubs – Richard Bye, from The Roebuck in Market Harborough, and Chris Taylor and his partner, Moya, who is also an ex-military wife, from The Volunteer Arms, Barton Upon Humber.
Also in attendance was Paul Gill, a fellow veteran and now head of estate development at the pub chain, responsible for recruiting veteran landlords and supporting them in their transition from service.
Together, they raised a glass in remembrance and to the power of community in supporting those who served.
Kemp’s connection to the RBL stems from his grandfather serving in the Second World War, and his grandmother spending her final years in an RBL care home.
Over the years, he has actively championed the RBL’s work, from meeting veterans to joining military units in training, to helping raise awareness of the Poppy Appeal.
“I’m immensely proud to support this year’s Raise a Glass campaign, and it was an honour to be with Colin when he saw his designs on the glasses for the very first time,” the actor said.
“I want to encourage as many people as possible to raise a glass to thank our veterans this November. For me, this campaign is personal – my family has been supported by the Royal British Legion, and I know how much their work means to so many.
“Every glass sold helps ensure that veterans, serving personnel, and their families get the support they deserve.”
Jared Sedgwick, director of operations for the Midlands at Marston’s, added: “We were blown away with the response to our commemorative poppy pint glasses last year and are so proud to be able to go even bigger with the campaign this year.
“Colin’s designs have made the glasses extra special, and we have even more to sell this year, meaning we can raise even more money for the Royal British Legion.
“Veterans up and down the country are now part of the Marston’s family, whether they’re pub operators, staff, or they visit for one of the many veteran events that our pubs host. So it was fantastic to have Chris and Richard at the Oakingham Belle to help us launch this year’s campaign. Our pubs have some amazing celebrations planned for this year’s Remembrance Day, and we’re hoping to inspire communities across the UK to come together in pubs, raise a glass, and make a real difference.”
The limited-edition glasses will be available in pubs from Sunday, November 2 until Tuesday, November 11.
For more information, and to find your nearest participating pub, visit marstonspubs.co.uk/raise-a-glass.
Where you can get your commemorative during this year’s RBL/Marston’s Raise a Glass campaign in Somerset:
- Bear Inn: High Street, Street, Somerset, BA16 0EF
- Sparkford Inn: High Street, Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 7JH
- Arrow: The Forum, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 3TL
- Royal Marine Inn: Great Western Terrace, Yeovil, Somerset, BA21 5AA
- White Willow: Market Way, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 6DF
- Stonemasons: Harts Close, Ilminster, Somerset, TA19 9DJ
- Admiral’s Table: Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4TN
- Wagtail: Long Close, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 8AB
- Skylark: Westpark, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9AD
- Fox & Goose: Bridgwater Road, Barrow Gurney, Somerset, BS48 3SL
- Stag & Hounds: Bristol Road, Winscombe, Somerset, BS25 5NJ
- Ebdon Arms: Lilac Way, Wick St Lawrence, Somerset, BS22 9WE
- Observatory: Becket Road, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 7TA
- Summerhouse: Worle, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS22 6WE
- Landing Light: Beaufighter Road, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, BS24 8EE
- Old Colonial: 30 Knightstone Road, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 2AW
Leave a Reply