The Royal British Legion have launched their national poppy appeal, and Fylde’s local branches have been doing their part to help fundraise.
Every year, millions of people across Britain wear the poppy and donate to support currently serving and veteran members of the Armed forces and their families.
The three Royal British Legion branches in Fylde – St Annes-on-Sea, Lytham & Ansdell, and Warton – have joined together in a collaborative appeal to raise funds for this vital cause.
The appeal launched in full on on Thursday 26 October, and Cllr Cheryl Little, Mayor of Fylde, joined representatives from the Royal British Legion at the Town Hall in St Annes to mark the occasion. The Mayor was graciously presented with a poppy by local volunteer Ken Pape, who personally raised over £300 for Lytham’s poppy appeal by saving loose change over the last year.
Cllr Little said: “I am deeply moved to receive this honour from Ken Pape, whose generosity and dedication is inspiring. As a society we owe much to members of our armed forces past and present, and by participating in the Poppy Appeal 2023, we can show our appreciation for their selfless service and sacrifice.”
The Royal British Legion has a proud and long-standing history in Fylde. The St Annes-on-Sea branch was founded in 1922, less than a year after the establishment of the national Royal British Legion in May 1921. The Lytham & Ansdell group, meanwhile, was founded on 12 November 1923 – meaning that this year’s Remembrance Sunday falls on the exact date marking their 100th anniversary.
Lee Townsend, the Chairman for St Annes, Lytham & Ansdell, and Warton RBL, said: “I am extremely proud of the history the Fylde coast has with the RBL and I am lucky to be allowed to Chair these branches. The wonderful efforts of our members is humbling, like our own Ken Pape, who has put aside all his loose change since the last Appeal and donated over £300.00 this year. An amazing amount of money that will go towards helping our veterans.
“Pride and respect for all our servicemen and women, past, present and future, their families and loved ones is something we should all have. If anyone would like to know more or to become a member then they can do so via the Royal British Legion Website, or they can look us up locally on Facebook. A welcome with open arms will always be extended to anyone.”
For more information about the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 2023, including details of how to contact your local group and get involved in fundraising, visit the Royal British Legion website.
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