Moving start to poppy appeal

Royal British Legion members, alongside the Mayor of Bognor Regis, Cllr Eileen Anderson, launched the Poppy Appeal outside Bognor Town Hall.

Cllr Anderson said the Poppy Appeal acknowledges the bravery of past and present soldiers.

“The soldiers that have fought for us years ago must be remembered, as do the ones of today. It is not just about going back in time – the youth today need to learn about what happened in the war,” she said.

Poppy Appeal organiser Primrose Jeffries and deputy organiser Brenda Jeffries were joined by Cllr Mrs Anderson and chairman of the Royal British Legion Club John Ball to launch the appeal, on October 17.

Mrs Jeffries said: “The money that we raise from this appeal goes towards not only looking after the people that are living from the first and second world war, but also helping all the people now that are severely injured in Afghanistan who come back to England who need rehabilitation.

“We can see where the money goes. We have got to raise so much money, it is very important as we need to support everyone. I support them wholeheartedly because I feel it needs to be done. The youngsters should learn about all they did for us.”

Poppies will be delivered to shops and businesses from October 26. Street collections will start from November 3 for eight days.

Anyone who would like to volunteer to help deliver or sell poppies can contact Mrs Jeffries on 01243 825890 or 07761 220437.

The town’s annual ceremony and service commemorating Remembrance Day will take place at the war memorial in Clarence Road at 11am. The parade will leave the Royal British Legion headquarters in Clifton Road at 10.15am.

The same day another event will take place at the Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital from 3pm in front of the 1914-1918 memorial.

All are welcome to attend.