Mayor and MP Launch Poppy Appeal Ahead of Remembrance Sunday
The Colchester branch of the Royal British Legion has opened a pop-up shop in Red Lion Walk, providing a place for people to buy poppies and make donations in support of military veterans and their families.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Colchester, along with the city’s MP, formally launched this year’s Poppy Appeal, urging everyone to contribute generously ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Local Support for the Poppy Appeal
Jackie Mason, Secretary of the Colchester branch of the Royal British Legion, expressed gratitude for the support received:
“Thanks to the generosity of Red Lion Walk, this is going to be our base for this year’s Poppy Appeal. We’d like to thank them and all the schools, businesses, and supermarkets across Colchester that have displayed our poppies and donation pots.”
Launch Event Participants
- Mayor Mike Lilley
- Mayoress Lyn Barton
- MP Pam Cox
- Commander of Colchester Garrison, Lt Col Ed Rankin
- Former Gurkha Major Udai Gurung MBE, Chair of Colchester Diverse Communities Network
MP Pam Cox highlighted the appeal's significance:
“This is a great way for everyone in Colchester to show their support for our veterans and armed forces and their families. Thanks to Martin Leatherdale, manager of Red Lion Walk, and his team for making the poppy pop-up shop possible.”
The Poppy Appeal will continue until Armistice Day on Tuesday, November 11.
Summary: The Colchester Royal British Legion has launched a pop-up shop and appealed for generous donations to support veterans and their families before Remembrance Sunday.