Poppy Appeal sets sail with help from Worksop Scouts

ALL ABOARD THE POPPY APPEAL! -- Scouts join officials on the Hugh Henshall narrowboat.

The boat, named Hugh Henshall, is used by the Chesterfield Canal Trust to organise trips, and it was specially prepared for members of the 4th Worksop Scout Group to sell the first paper poppies of the Remembrance season.

Now poppies will be worn with proud across the district before Worksop’s official Remembrance Day parade and service, which will take place on Sunday, November 13.

The Scouts were joined by officials from the Royal British Legion (RBL) and Bassetlaw District Council at the launch, which was held at the Lock Keeper pub on Sandy Lane.

Andy Gregory, chairman of the RBL, which runs the appeal, said: “This was a stunning tribute and a very special launch. The crew of the Hugh Henshall have done a fantastic job. It’s great that the event was supported by the manager and staff of the Lock Keeper, who kindly provided their time free of charge.”

The first official poppy was sold by council chairman, Coun Jim Anderson, who said: “I pay tribute to the wonderful and vital work of the Legion in supporting all our ex-servicemen and women. This is such an important organisation.”

David Scott, chairman of the Worksop branch of the Legion, said: “Last year, we raised more than £30,000 from the appeal, and we hope to have another successful year. Poppies are available in about 400 locations, and there are poppy stalls in all our supermarkets.

“Disabled ex-service personnel, bereaved widows and their families need help and support. The work of the Legion is needed as much now as when it was formed in 1921.”

The Remembrance Day parade, arranged by the council, will start in the Old Market Square, in front of the Town Hall, at 10.10 am. Worksop Miners Welfare Band will play while the parade is inspected by Coun Anderson and also by the Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, William Parente.

At 10.40 am, the parade will march down Potter Street and Watson Road to the War Memorial where a short wreath-laying service will be conducted by Father Nicolas Spicer. The Worksop Salvation Army Band will play the ‘Last Post’ before two minutes’ silence at 11 am. A further service will then take place at Worksop Priory church where standards will be presented.