SHIRLEY Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal Campaign launches next Saturday, October 30, with a collection at Parkgate.
Following this poppies will be available throughout Shirley in the run-up to this year’s Remembrance Sunday on November 14.
The parade itself will be different this year.
It will move from the Stratford Road to Shirley Park, with participants forming up in around the children’s play area before marching to the Royal British Legion Memorial, led by the Shirley Pipe Band.
The service that in previous years was held at St James’s will now be at the RBL memorial, including the wreath laying.
Instead, St James’s will host a small service on Armistice Day, November 11.
All participants and members of the public are encouraged to take regular flow tests and not attend either event if they show a positive test.
Equally, anyone displaying symptoms of Covid-19 should not attend.
Last year Shirley Royal British Legion raised an astonishing £17,600 for the Poppy Appeal under difficult circumstances due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Branch chairman Ken Russell said: “I would like to thank the people of Shirley for their generosity over the years and hope this year’s appeal will raise the vital funds to provide financial, social and emotional support to those men and women who have served or are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their families.”
Fund-raising is a vital ingredient in ensuring the future of the Royal British Legion, and they are actively appealing for more volunteers to help.
To find out more about becoming a poppy appeal helper call Steve or Colin Coley on 07498 749922.
