I am helping to raise funds for the Royal British Legion in Blandford which was unfortunately and shockingly, broken into this week. A substantial amount of vandalism occurred with items now beyond repair. Framed veteran medals were also stolen.

During my time in Blandford, I fostered close relations with the RBL and I am passionate about giving them some much needed assistance during this time.

The RBL do amazing work for our serving soldiers, reserves and veterans and they deserve our support during this difficult time. Please donate if you are able to. It would be much appreciated.

This message was posted by the RBL following the break in:

Its with some sadness and a degree of anger that I post this. Sometime between lunch time on Monday 12th May and lunch time Wednesday 14th May, some people decided to break into the Poppy Stables at Legion House , Blandford. Once in, they trashed our meeting room, which a safe space for us to meet with veterans and their families who need support, they took a craft knife to the upholstery of a settee and armchair. pulling out some of the stuffing both these items are now completely unusable. They also used a carving fork to gouge graffiti into the top the table in the room.

From this room they stole three WW1 medals that were framed and mounted on a wall, the medals were bequeathed to the branch by the family of Pte T.F.Jarrett who served in the Royal West Kent Regiment and his name will be engraved around the edge of at least two of them.

The intruders also went into the poppy room where we store poppy merchandise and wreaths and where all the work for the poppy appeal goes on, here they stole £40 that had been donated to the Poppy Appeal through the sale of VE Day badges, but they also took items of merchandise such as rulers, wrist bands, badges and lanyards, some of which has been recovered thanks to a public spirited dog walker who found them in Stour Meadow.

I could go on as there was a lot more damage to office equipment and other items, I feel stealing from a charity such as the Royal British Legion is about as low as you can go.

Please can I ask if you hear about the medals which do have the soldiers name on, or you find them please , please can you pm me, I really want to get them back where they belong.

The Police have been informed and have visited the scene and investigations are ongoing

Thank you