Guests gathered at Alresford station as Royal British Legion launched county-wide Poppy Appeal

As the train chugged loudly Alresford residents looked on to see the start of the two-week appeal, which will be promoted nationwide, in a bid to raise £40 million for the Royal British Legion.

Community fundraiser Clare Peppiatt said: “We raise all this money to help all our servicemen and women. The theme this year is full steam ahead. Our key message is live on to the memory of the fallen and the living so remembrance is a really important part of our organisation and giving hopefully to the living with the money we have raised.”

Stood atop a makeshift stage, made of old sleepers, town crier for Alton, Stan Whitcher, yelled: “I bring to you all this proclamation that this gathering today is for a very special reason. 1914: a century has gone by but it’s never too late to pay our respects and to commemorate the thousands of lives who were lost in bitter conflicts. We are in debt so great it can never be repaid to these here souls who lost their lives. And so we launch the 2014 poppy appeal and we invite everyone to support it and in the process give thanks. We have our freedom.”

David Harrison, president of Hampshire Royal British Legion, said: “The poppy appeal is fighting to go and I would like to thank the people of Hampshire. Every year [they] are incredibly generous and I know they will be again this year.”

Winston Churchill re-enactor Stan Streather, who has volunteered at for the railway since 1987, wrapped up the speeches.

“I am very honoured to be here today,” he said. “It’s a very great pleasure to be with you and I have enjoyed the hospitality with your fine selves. In war everybody has to do their bit. The railways did their bit and the fire service – everyone works together. In the second World War the country was brought together like never before.

“If the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for 1,000 years men will still say this was their finest hour.”