THIS year’s Poppy Appeal has been officially launched in Uttoxeter.
The annual appeal by the Royal British Legion (RBL) sees people across the country wear their poppies with pride to raise vital funds for the charity supporting former and serving service personnel and their families.
The appeal was kicked off in Uttoxeter with poppy collectors out in force and a stand outside the town hall, in High Street. Hundreds of collection boxes have already been distributed across Uttoxeter.
Hugh Smalley, chairman of the Uttoxeter branch of the RBL, said: “Our main base was outside of the town hall and it was good, lots of people stopped by and we had collectors out and about.
“We will be out this weekend at the Lions bonfire. It will be a busy day as we will be out on Saturday in the day time and then quickly home before heading out to set up at the bonfire.
“We have got a busy couple of weeks ahead for us. It is like I always say, people only think we work two weeks of the year.
We work all year round but these are our two weeks. It is all go as such.” Organisers will also be out in force at the race meeting at Uttoxeter Racecourse on Saturday.
The appeal will culminate with remembrance weekend which will once again fill the town with music as a Remembrance Concert is held at St Mary’s Church from 7.15pm on Saturday, November 10.
Music will be provided by the Uttoxeter Town Brass Band and Heath Chorus along with soloists as well as readings.
Tickets cost £7.50 and are now available from the Bradley House Club and Uttoxeter Town Hall.
This year’s Remembrance Sunday will be more significant as it falls on Armistice Day, November 11.
The parade will start at The Maltings car park at 10.40am and arrive at the War Memorial, in the Market Place, at 11am for the minutes silence and act of remembrance.
This will be followed by the Remembrance Service at St Mary’s Church before the parade makes its way back to the Maltings car park.
