Launch of Poppy Appeal

The Island’s Poppy Appeal was launched in Ryde yesterday with Royal British Legion (RBL) officials gathering at the town’s War Memorial with a second ceremony, organised by the Parachute Regiment, taking in place at the Co-op.

This year’s appeal aims to raise a total of £50 million to help rebuild lives across the Armed Forces community.

RBL branch members along with local councillors and IW Councillor Ian Ward, gathered at the memorial. Cllr Ward is the RBL County President and he was joined by the RBL’s County Chairman, Andy Pound and Lyn Ashby, the charity’s Ryde Co-ordinator, as well as members of the Ryde Masons Victory Services Lodge, who helped with the day’s fundraising.

Afterwards, fundraisers boarded Wightlink and Red Funnel ferries and the Hover to collect donations throughout the day.

The Parachute Regiment intended to have a short parade but moved inside the Co-op due to the weather conditions.

Bugler Bob Cole played the Last Post while the Kohima and Epitaph were read out by Dave Lewis. The regiment’s standard was lowered by Terry Guildford and they were joined by RBL standard bearer, John Dugdale.

At any given moment, the RBL is helping over 7,000 members of the Armed Forces community with expert advice and practical support.

For some in the Armed Forces community, issues from service can affect them throughout their lives, often with swift and devastating consequences. There are many reasons that could cause a veteran’s life to fall apart – the lasting impact of a training accident, the loss of a friend, or battlefield trauma.

The message the RBL want to get out to Islanders is “Please support the Poppy Appeal”.