Poppy Appeal launched in Birmingham
Nov 1 2010 by Paul Suart, Birmingham Mail
HUNDREDS gathered as the Lord Mayor of Birmingham unveiled the city’s annual Poppy Appeal to a fanfare of pipes, drums and bugles.
Visitors to Victoria Square on Saturday were encouraged by Coun Len Gregory to ‘Put on a Poppy’ as the Royal British Legion in Birmingham bids to raise £1 million for injured servicemen and their families.
Standard bearers from the Birmingham RBL, recently awarded the Freedom of the City, and the three armed forces joined people of all ages and religious backgrounds in heralding the appeal.
Coun Gregory said: “We are standing here, shoulder to shoulder, to celebrate the work of the Royal British Legion.
“The Legion’s appeal is needed now more than ever.”
Mike Sharpe, county vice-patron of the Birmingham RBL, said the group’s campaigns had placed an extra £12 million in the pockets of the most seriously injured soldiers.
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Cameron Williams, 6, and Grandfather James Gilbert, 47, help launch The Poppy Appeal.
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LMA Alistair Plamer, 34, Cameron Williams, 6, and Kelly Lupton, 25, help launch The Poppy Appeal.
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The launch of the Poppy Appeal by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in Victoria Square.
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LMA Alistair Plamer, 34, Kelly Lupton, 25, Cameron Williams, 6, and Grandfather James Gilbert, 47, help launch The Poppy Appeal.
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Local people are encouraged to Put on a Poppy'.
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Surgeon sub-lieutant Sarah Lownes, 26, from HMS Foward helps launch The Poppy Appeal.
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LMA Alistair Plamer, 34, Kelly Lupton, 25, Cameron Williams, 6, and Grandfather James Gilbert, 47, help launch The Poppy Appeal.
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The launch of the Poppy Appeal by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham in Victoria Square.
He added: “Despite the current economic times, we trust the people of Birmingham will show their sympathy and support for those who have sacrificed so much on behalf of their country. We have represented one-third of those who have appealed for higher compensation payments for injuries suffered in Afghanistan.”
Events organised in Victoria Square to back the launch included face painters and performances from Coventry-based soul singer Georgia Campbell and a backing gospel choir.
