ON THE morning of Thursday, October 27, the Royal British Legion’s national Poppy Appeal will be launched around the country.
In Wokingham, at 10.30am that same day, the poppy shop will open to the public in Peach Place, in the unit that used to house the Blue Orchid café.
A wide range of remembrance merchandise will be on sale, with poppies also available at Tesco and Waitrose.
David Dunham, who is also official mace bearer for the town mayor, has co-ordinated this year’s Wokingham Poppy Appeal.
He has led the event for fourteen years, and this is his final year as co-ordinator.
“I’ve been involved with the Poppy appeal since I was a toddler,” he says.
“My dad served in the Royal Marines and my mum was in the Women’s Royal Air Force, so the Poppy Appeal has always been a part of my life.
“I’ll continue fundraising, but I just won’t be co-ordinating.
“In the shop this year will be poppies, of course, and a variety of items.
“There should be something suitable for everyone, young and old.”
Items such as car stickers and wooden crosses of remembrance will be on sale.
The crosses can be purchased and the name of a loved one written on them.
They will then be displayed on the wall of the shop until the Poppy Appeal officially ends in November.
“After the shop closes, the crosses will be taken to All Saints Church War Memorial, where they’ll stay until the following year,” explains David.
This year David has been invited to take part in the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall.
“It’s a once in a lifetime event,” he says.
“My parents watched it every year, and I know that they would both be smiling to see me actually take part in it.”
David will join this year’s muster, a parade that sees members of the armed forces, Chelsea pensioners, veterans, volunteers and members of the Royal British Legion gather inside the Royal Albert Hall.
They will meet for a service to remember all who have served and sacrificed, from Britain and The Commonwealth.
“We’ll all march in, with military bands playing, for a remembrance service of words, hymns and storytelling.
“I was very moved when I was asked to take part, and I’m honoured to represent the Royal British Legion in this way.”
As part of his fundraising activities, David is also taking a challenge to Walk 121 Miles in November, with his efforts supporting the Poppy Appeal.
“I’ve decided to take my first steps the morning the poppy shop opens.
“The final steps of my 121st mile will be as I march down the steps of the Albert Hall for the service.
“And although I will be proudly representing the Royal British Legion, my parents will also be there with me in my thoughts.”
The service will be shown live on Saturday, November 12 on BBC1 at 7pm.
The Poppy Shop opens from Thursday, October 27 at 10.30pm to Saturday, November 12.
For more information about the Royal British Legion, visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk
