Generosity and dedication come together for a day to remember

Friday, November 21, 2008, 08:01

PEOPLE in the Leek area have been praised for their "magnificent generosity and terrific support" at this year's Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Day services.

Last year, the appeal raised £30.3 million nationwide, £303,000 of which was raised by the North Staffordshire region.

Of that, £26,000 came from the Leek and District poppy appeal.

It is believed that this year's appeal will prove to have been as successful as 2007.

The money raised by the Royal British Legion provides financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served and are currently serving in the armed forces, and their dependants.

The first official Royal British Legion Poppy Day was held in Britain on November 11, 1921, inspired by the poem In Flanders' Fields, written by John McCrae. Since then, it has been a key annual event in the nation's calendar.

Jackie Sumerling, treasurer and secretary of the Leek and District Poppy Appeal said: "We're doing extremely well, even better than we anticipated because of the present financial climate.

"We haven't got an exact figure yet because everything hasn't been collected in yet. Whether we will crack last year's £26,000 I'm not sure at this stage, but even if we don't, we'll be very close to it.

"This year's appeal has gone very well and I must say people have been as generous as they always are. The volunteers are all very dedicated and it always a team effort."

Jacqui Salt, Leek and District Poppy Appeal organiser, said that during the last two years, both nationally and locally, the amount raised has increased.

She added: "The response of the public has been magnificent considering the present economic climate.

"Endon, Brown Edge, Rushton Spencer, Alstonefields, Blackshaw Moor and Leek, all have well organised collectors who use the Leek poppy shop on Russell Street as a base.

"We are very fortunate to have dedicated collectors who volunteer to sell poppies to provide vital funds which provide much needed assistance to veterans of all past and present conflicts and their dependents."

Geoff Robinson is the chairman of the Leek Royal British Legion.

He said that this year's Remembrance Day service and parade was one of the best, and he thanked everyone who turned out to support the various services held in the town.

He said: "This year's event was excellent. There hasn't been a parade like that for a long time. The turn-out from the public was most appreciated, especially given the poor weather conditions.

"It was a wonderful ceremony at the Nicholson Memorial, where we laid 47 wreaths.

"The children's involvement in everything really helped to make it so special. Both the 5th Leek Scouts band and Salvation Army played during the Remembrance services and we are grateful for their excellent contribution every year.

"On Tuesday, November 11, the ceremony at St Edward's church was absolutely brilliant. It was overflowing and people were standing outside.

"It was very touching and the Last Post and Reveille was played beautifully by Harold Gurdon."

Mr Robinson said the work of the Legion was more important than ever now, as more money is needed to support war veterans and their families, young and old.

He added: "The response from the public has been terrific this year. I've been out selling poppies and people are very generous. Leek is a very good town for collecting and we always get great support from stores in the town, who are very accommodating of us."

Due to a technical problem, photographs from the Remembrance Day Service at The Monument did not appear in last week's Post & Times. We apologise for the error.