Desperate appeal for poppy sellers
A DESPERATE plea for volunteers to come forward and help with poppy sales in Brighouse this year has been issued.
So far just two regulars - Shirley Stott and Frank Roper - have offered to sell poppies in the Brighouse area.
Members of the Brighouse branch of the Royal British Legion raised over 6,000 with last year's poppy sales and they want to do as well, or better, this year.
"For a town the size of Brighouse that is a good result especially when we only have a small branch," said chairman and Poppy Appeal organiser Mr Keith Iles. "We are always keen to have new members but people can volunteer to help with poppy sales without joining the branch."
He said without people like Mrs Stott and Mr Roper, the branch would really struggle. For the past three years Mrs Stott has sold poppies in Tesco supermarket in Brighouse and she will be back there this year. And for the past 50 years Mr Roper, of Rastrick, has sold poppies house to house.
"These people help make the difference but we do need more volunteers," he said. "If people just offered an hour it would be very much appreciated. We would particularly like to hear from young people prepared to offer their help including Scouts and Guides."
Volunteers are needed for Friday and Saturday, November 7 and 8, before Remembrance services are held on Sunday, November 9.
He is also keen to hear from a town centre business where trays of poppies could be distributed from on the Saturday morning.
In the past members of the Royal British Legion have parked in West Park Street, Brighouse, where volunteers have been able to collect trays of poppies.
"But if we could have a base in a shop or some other premises that would be a big help," said Mr Iles.
Members of Brighouse Ladies' Circle have given their support by delivering trays of poppies to businesses and other outlets in the area.
"All the help we get is much appreciated," said Mr Iles, who has also been helped by Brighouse councillor Colin Stout.
Brighouse artist Peter Brook has also pledged his support. He was among the dignitaries invited to Halifax Town Hall to launch this year's poppy appeal and he has offered to donate one of his prints to the Royal British Legion for next year's appeal.
About five years ago he painted a poppy field in North Yorkshire with a scarecrow with arms outstretched in the middle of the field and two vapour trails crossing in the sky above. The painting entitled 'Remember' was painted as a tribute to a relative of Mr Brook's who was killed in the First World War at the age of 21.
"I haven't made a final decision yet," said Mr Brook. "but it would seem an appropriate print to choose for Remembrance weekend. I think it is important we help the poppy appeal where possible."
A lifetime membership award was presented to 88-year-old Betsy Burton-Chambers of Lightcliffe, a volunteer for more than 20 years with the Royal British Legion.
A service of dedication will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 8, at the Garden of Remembrance in Thornton Square, and services will be held at churches throughout the Brighouse area on Remembrance Sunday including the Royal British Legion service at Brighouse Parish Church at 2.30pm. In the morning branch members will be at the war memorial in Bailiff Bridge and after the service children will plant daffodil bulbs to mark the 90th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
Work to restore the pavilion in the Memorial Park is virtually finished and plans are being made for two plaques to be placed on the wall - one remembering those who died in the Second World War and the other dedicated to those involved in modern day conflict. Plans are to create a memorial wall with people donating smaller plaques in memory of individuals.
Anyone willing to help with sponsorship of the two larger plaques or willing to sell poppies can contact Mr Iles on 01484 713398. He would also like to hear from a musician to play at the Sunday afternoon service at Brighouse Parish Church.
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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