The Launch of the Poppy Appeal 2021
This year the annual Poppy Appeal collection takes on a greater meaning as it is the centenary year of the Royal British Legion (RBL). Likewise, we hope there will be a renewed vitality to ‘every poppy counts’ due to the limited collecting in 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
This year’s Prudhoe & District Poppy Appeal has been launched, just ahead of the national launch on 28th October. The details of this year’s Remembrance Sunday Parade have also been announced.
The commemorations on 14th November will begin on the Legion car park, where those taking part in the parade should muster at 10.30am.
Uniformed Services and Organisations will parade with the Northumbrian Pipe Band along Front Street, giving ‘eyes left’ at the Royal British Legion plaque on The Glade. The parade will continue into Kepwell Court to the Lychgate War Memorial at St Mary Magdalene Church. The service will start at 10.55am with the Act of Remembrance at 11am and wreath-laying to follow. Please wrap up warm and remember that a road closure will be in place.
First time Mayor, Cllr Bryan Futers is a proud supporter of the Royal British Legion. As well as being especially honoured to lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday, on behalf of the People of Prudhoe, he will also be wearing his grandfather’s medals. Cllr Futers said:
“I know that historically the people of Prudhoe have been very generous in their support of the Armed Forces, Veterans and their families, and with their presence on Remembrance Sunday.”
“It is so important to keep the message of Remembrance alive, and I know from recent visits to schools that this is imparted on the younger generation also. The Prudhoe Branch of the Royal British Legion is at the heart of this message and their limited numbers work tirelessly all year round. Please give generously to the 2021 Poppy Appeal, but also show your appreciation to local collectors and give them your time.”
Prudhoe Branch poppy collectors will be back out in the community at Prudhoe Co-op and Blaydon Morrisons. Poppies and collection tins will also be distributed to local shops, pubs, restaurants, and schools, very soon. As well as being back out in the community collecting, the Prudhoe Branch is also aiming to install the lamppost poppies once more, and to encourage window displays in local shops. The amazing knitted poppy tribute on the Glade will also be added to.
The poppy was first worn as an act of Remembrance just over 100 years ago, and ever since it has become an enduring symbol of support for our Armed Forces, past and present.
Every poppy counts, and any donation will make a substantial difference to the lives of the Armed Forces community, who have given so much for their country. In 2020 the Prudhoe & District Branch raised £16,726.11; there is no doubt this will be topped in 2021.
The Prudhoe & District Branch is actively seeking new members. Anyone can join the Royal British Legion; you don’t have to have served in the military. Membership is £18 per year, for more information visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/things-to-do/membership/become-a-member
Featured image photograph taken by Mrs Moira Wooldridge, Community Photographer. Photograph taken at the RBL Plaque on The Glade, Prudhoe. Present (left to right), Mrs Irene Davis – Secretary of the RBL Prudhoe & District Branch Women’s Section, Mr John Gaut – Chair of the RBL Prudhoe & District Branch Men’s Section, Mayor, Cllr Bryan Futers, Ms Jacqueline Davis – RBL Prudhoe & District Branch Women’s Section.
