One hundred years ago the fighting men of Great Britain and the Commonwealth were embroiled in the third month of the battle of the Somme with almost two further months to fight.
Some 19,240 had died on the first day of battle and by the end on November 18, the British casualties numbered 419,654.
This sheer sacrifice on such a large scale says much about the men of the British army and defines why the Royal British Legion was formed in 1923, to repay some of the nations debt to these men by looking after their welfare and also to remember their deeds and actions in perpetuity.
Obviously things have moved on since then and the Royal British Legion provides support and remembrance for all serving and ex-serving members of Her Majesty’s armed forces.
We are now coming to the time of year when the major fundraising for the charity takes place.
I refer, of course to the annual Poppy Appeal during Remembrance tide (29 Oct-12 Nov).
Paper poppies and other assorted goods will be available to the public in various locations in exchange for donations to the fund.
An endeavour such as this, which is reliant on volunteers, needs a great many people to achieve success and share a demanding workload.
I therefore again call on the people of Spalding and Weston, Weston Hills and Cowbit to get involved with this very worthwhile cause during this crucial two weeks. Please volunteer to assist by ringing 01406 373669.
All volunteers will be consulted on how they wish to help and what they will be happy engaging in.
You will not be pushed into doing anything out of your “comfort zone”.
The Poppy Appeal always needs “fresh” faces but we never forget previous volunteers who will be contacted in the near future.
Peter Lyon
Honorary Poppy Appeal organiser, Spalding
