Shortly after losing a friend in Ypres in 1915, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write his now famous poem, in Flanders Fields.
The poem inspired American War Secretary, Moina Michael, who bought poppies to sell to her friends to raise money for Servicemen in need after the First World War.
This was adopted by The (Royal) British Legion in 1921 who ordered a million poppies from Anna Guerin in France and commissioned a further 8 million to be manufactured in Britain. These were sold on 11 November that year in the first ever Poppy Appeal. The poppies sold out almost immediately and raised over £106, 000.
The poppy has been adopted as a symbol of remembrance ever since with communities across Britain donating to support the armed forces, veterans, serving soldiers and their families with financial support, advice, employment, housing, and mental health.
The appeal officially launches on the 24th October and this year sees Christine Potts, Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) and her husband Lenny’s, 50th year of supporting the British Legion as coordinator of the appeal in Chilton. Both are true community champions.
Lenny himself and Ex soldier, having served in the 11th Hussars Cavalry Regiment, talks about how proud he was to serve and how important it is to support the appeal and remember the contribution that our armed services have made and continue to make. This includes being mobilised during natural disasters, humanitarian, and environmental crisis and as a peace-making force around the world.
Each poppy cost approximately £3 to make and 35 million are now made each year some by veterans in the original Poppy Factory, Richmond on Thames, which also acts as an archive and exhibition for the poppy appeal.
Donations of all sizes are welcome but the act of wearing the poppy is the true act of support and recognition for the service and sacrifice made by our armed forces. From the 1st World War up to the present day.
Poppies and wreaths will be available from Chilton Town Council Office, Hutton House.
If you would like to knit or crochet your own poppy to wear, join the Women’s Craft Group, 10am Thursday morning.
Remembrance Sunday Service 10th November, St Aiden’s church, Chilton 10am
For further information contact:
Tel: 01388 721788
Email: info@chiltondurham-tc.gov.uk