The annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal is being launched on Friday at 12.30 pm with the opening of Island’s Field of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in the Parade.
From this week, 800 volunteers will be selling poppies and other merchandise around the Island to raise funds for the Legion, which helps service personnel and their families. This year’s appeal has added poignancy, as it leads up to the centenary of the Armistice on 11 November.
‘We are immensely grateful to the people of Jersey who wear their poppy with pride in remembrance of those who gave their lives in the service of their country,’ said Tim Daniels, chairman of the Royal British Legion, Jersey. ‘The donations are used to help Jersey’s serving and ex-military service personnel and their families when they need it most, for their physical and mental well-being.
‘This year, we also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War, and in particular those Jerseymen who volunteered selflessly and loyally to fight for king and country, with a number of special one-off events. We invite you to join us, so those memories and stories from the Great War are not forgotten.’
Poppies and Legion merchandise will be available at special ‘pop-up’ shops at events in ten parish halls and a Royal British Legion Shop at Picquet House in the Royal Square which opens for two weeks from Monday. Jersey poet Jane Warren, artist Mary Le Brocq and photographer Nick Jouault have contributed pictures and poetry to be used to raise funds.
‘It is touching to receive such open generosity from people like Mary, Nick and Jane, along with the volunteers who give their time and energy every year,’ said appeal merchandise co-ordinator Lady Birt, wife of former Bailiff Sir Michael Birt.
Full details of Poppy Appeal events will be posted on the Legion’s Facebook page @RoyalBritishLegionJersey.
