Brandon poppy appeal fears

Fears were raised last night that Brandon could be left poppyless on Remembrance Sunday after its Poppy Appeal co-ordinator retired.More than £6,000 was raised for the Royal British Legion in Brandon last year and 25 wreaths were sent to organisations wishing to honour the sacrifices made by the nation's military servicemen and women.

Fears were raised last night that Brandon could be left poppyless on Remembrance Sunday after its Poppy Appeal co-ordinator retired.

More than £6,000 was raised for the Royal British Legion in Brandon last year and 25 wreaths were sent to organisations wishing to honour the sacrifices made by the nation's military servicemen and women.

But officials from the charity yesterday warned that there was a “very grave possibility” that poppies would not be available in November after the town was left without a Poppy Appeal organiser.

Local resident and Royal British Legion member Bill Turner who has been coordinating Brandon's poppy distribution for the last 34 years has decided to retire.

Erica Sayer, community fundraiser for the Poppy Appeal in Norfolk and Suffolk, said there were a number of poppy volunteers in the town, but currently no one had come forward to coordinate their efforts.

“Every year the general public want to remember those who gave their lives for their country and help provide services for those who have served in the armed forces and it is therefore crucial to have someone in place to ensure that the public can get their poppies in time for Remembrance Sunday,” she said.

Mr Turner said he had enjoyed coordinating the town's Poppy Appeal, but he needed someone younger to take on the responsibility.

For more information, contact Erica Sayer on 01362 860667 or email esayer@britishlegion.org.uk.