HERTFORDSHIRE POPPY APPEAL LAUNCH

The Poppy Appeal 2018 launched today in Hertfordshire as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying ‘Thank You’ to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world.

 ‘Thank You’ to the First World War Generation

The Poppy Appeal 2018 launched today in Hertfordshire as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying ‘Thank You’ to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. This year the Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation including those who served, the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists.

Joining the movement and encouraging locals to say their own ‘Thank You’, Colonel Kevin Fitzgerald, Hertfordshire President of The Royal British Legion, launched the Legion’s Hertfordshire Poppy Appeal with a breath-taking display of 15,000 poppies covering the face of Hertford Castle. The poppies were created over six months by the Secret Society of Hertford Crafters alongside schools, care homes and other community groups, and will be on display until Remembrance Sunday. The Royal British Legion is grateful to Hertford Town Council and Gascoyne Cecil Estates for their help in bringing the poppy display to Hertford Castle.  The Town Council contributed funding to meet the cost of installation of the display.

To accompany the unveiling of the display, the highly-acclaimed Hertfordshire choir the Harmonaires sung moving pieces from their forthcoming concert on 10 November. The Royal British Legion also presented one of the first poppies for the Hertfordshire Poppy Appeal.

Colonel Kevin Fitzgerald said: “Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say, ‘Thank You’ for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.

“The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say ‘Thank You.’

“This Poppy Appeal, wear your poppy with pride to support the Armed Forces community past and present. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones.”

The fundraising target in Hertfordshire is £1 million, which will go towards the Legion’s biggest ever national target of £50 million to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.

In the last year the generosity of the Hertfordshire community helped to raise over £936,000 which helped us answer thousands of requests for support, advice and guidance. The Legion uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the long lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on issues that affect our community, sport and art based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Fundraising Claire Rowcliffe said: “During the Poppy Appeal 2018 we are calling on the nation to say ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation, not just the British Armed Forces, but those who fought alongside them from today’s Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part of the home front.

“The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded. The donation for your poppy will help the Legion support today’s Armed Forces community through hardships, injury and bereavements. Generations of the Armed Forces have continued to serve and sacrifice since the First World War, and we recognise and thank them all for their contribution.

“This Poppy Appeal we have set our highest ever target at £50 million. The Legion’s work is entirely dependent on the public’s generous support – so please wear your poppy with pride and dig deep, knowing that you are supporting our Armed Forces community.”

Deputy Mayor of Hertford Town Council, Cllr Peter Ruffles MBE said “Hertford Town Council is delighted to be involved with the launch of the Hertfordshire Poppy Appeal and support the Royal British Legion. Thank you to everyone who has been involved with the poppy installation at Hertford Castle, the knitters who have hand crafted the poppies, the installation company, The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters and the Town Council Officers.  

I encourage the public to visit Hertford Castle to view the spectacular display which will be running until shortly after Remembrance Sunday.”