THE POPPY shop was officially opened by town mayor, councillor Maria Gee, together with her husband and consort, Chris Gee.
The event was also supported by Lucy Zeal, High Steward of Wokingham, who attended, along with the Wokingham Cadets.
Cllr Gee said: “It is really important to me to be here today.
“The poppy appeal raises money for current members of the armed services, veterans, and their families, providing financial, social and emotional help.”
In her speech she thanked Rock Choir members for contributing as collectors, Barkham Hookers for their crocheted poppies, and David Dunham, town mayor’s mace-bearer and mayor’s attendant, who has co-ordinated the town poppy appeal for many years.
This is his last year leading the venture, and to raise money for the appeal, he will walk 121 miles during November.
His last mile will be completed at The Royal Albert Hall on November 12, when he will take part in the muster at the televised remembrance service there.
The poppy shop is full of interesting merchandise.
Shop volunteers Beth and Bethany were there at the opening, selling historic newspaper replicas, poppies for the garden, notebooks, water bottles, slap band bracelets, badges, key rings, car poppies, and many other items.
“It’s lovely to be part of a community venture like this, and there’s something for everyone,” said Bethany.
A human sized walking poppy added to the colourful opening event.
She said: “I’m happy to be volunteering in this way.
“It’s good to remember the past, but it’s also important to think about the future too, and to thank current members of the armed forces who continue to support us.
“I’d like to raise a few smiles, as well.”
Inside the shop, the Barkham Hookers were busy crocheting poppies with military buttons at their centres.
Gaynor White, who leads the group, said: “We have around 600 members.
“We started 10 years ago with a class in my living room.
“Since then we’ve raised around £60,000 of which £54,000 has been for the poppy appeal.
“What started for me as a hobby, is now a full time job.”
Wokingham’s 10 Platoon cadets also attended the opening.
Staff Sergeant Turner explained: “ We’re an army cadet force youth organisation, affiliated with, and supported by the British army.”
“Cadets follow the army cadet syllabus, learning how to survive in the field, combat tactics, and shooting.
“They also learn first aid, navigation, drill and turnout.
“Some of them decide to pursue a career in the armed forces, but we’re not a recruiting organisation.
“Cadets can learn responsibility and discipline with us, and can make friends who have similar interests.
“The organisation gives them a focus, and its routines can be particularly helpful and reassuring for young people with autism.
“We’ll be here for the next two Saturdays, and we’ll take part in the remembrance parade in the town on Sunday, November 13.”
Pete Gaine brought his military vehicle to Peach Place for the poppy appeal launch.
He was a soldier for 23 years until the mid 1980s, serving in Aden in Yemen, and on seven tours of Northern Ireland.
“The army really gave me purpose,” he said.
“Afterwards, I fell into a job with the film industry, providing vintage automobiles for productions.
“I’ve been able to meet some interesting people, and my vehicles have featured in programmes such as British drama series, Foyles’ War, Downton Abbey, and TV series Mr Selfridge.”
Veteran John Patey was also there to celebrate the opening of the appeal.
Dressed in uniform and medals to commemorate his service in Cyprus, and 28 years in the Fire Brigade, he explained: “I was a corporal in the 6th Royal Tank Regiment.
“I served in the late 1950s and 1960s, and I wanted to be here at the launch today.
“It was good to see it done properly.
“It’s so important to support people who serve, or are injured, and to remember those who gave up everything so that we could have freedom.”
The poppy shop is open every day from now until Saturday, November 12.
It’s in Peach Place in Wokingham, where the Blue Orchid Café was located.
Its doors are open from 10am to 4pm each day.
