WORKSOP POPPY APPEAL: Are you wearing yours with pride?

(Left) Shirley Fish with her poppy, (Right) Guardian reporter Sophie Wills helping to sell poppies on Bridge Street.

This year’s appeal focuses on younger veterans and their mental wellbeing, and the branch are hoping to surpass last years’ milestone of more than 30,000 poppies sold.

Fundraising has been in full swing since the end of October- with volunteers out in force and poppy boxes installed in shops, schools and community centres across the town.

The town’s Legion branch hit trouble in recent years when member numbers began diminishing, but is now up to 60 members and has won a national award since the Guardian threw its weight behind a campaign to save the branch in 2013.

Poppy selling with the Worksop branch of the Royal British Legion. Ann Maddison, President of Worksop Lions, with Pam Buckley.

Ray Fielding, Royal British Legion Worksop Branch secretary, said: “I’m pleased to say that the Worksop branch actually appears to be going from strength to strength.

“In 2015 we sold a whopping 30,000 poppies throughout the Remembrance period, and this year we are hoping to surpass that.”

But Ray was also was keen to stress that the branch are ever on the lookout for new members and fresh ideas.

He added: “People seem to think the Legion is only open to veterans or those who are currently serving in the military.

Last years' remembrance day parade in Worksop.

“This isn’t true at all- we welcome all people, from all walks of life, of any age- anyone who wants to show their support for the Armed Forces community.

“We have 60 members at the moment, but there’s definitely room for more and we would urge anyone who is interested in getting involved to contact us.”

Buying her poppy on Bridge Street, Worksop resident Shirley Fish said: “I always make sure I buy a poppy at this time of year. It is such an important cause.”

The Royal British spends £1.6 million every week in direct welfare support and answers more than 170,000 calls for help yearly.

The Poppy Appeal will last until the end of November with poppies, crosses and wristbands available to purchase for a small donation.

For more information on the Royal British Legion in Worksop, call 01909 501362 visit www.facebook.com/WorksopRoyalBritishLegion.

REMEMBRANCE DAY IN WORKSOP

Worksop Remembrance Day Parade and Service, arranged by Bassetlaw District Council, will take place this Sunday (November 13).

The parade will ‘form-up’ in the Old Market Square in front of the Town Hall at around 10.10am under the direction of the Parade Marshall.

The parade will then be inspected by the Deputy Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Mr William Parente and the chairman of the District Council, Councillor Jim Anderson.

The Worksop Miners’ Welfare Band will play during the inspection.

At approx. 10.40 am the parade will ‘march off’ from the Market Square down to the War Memorial via Potter Street and Watson Road to the sound of a drumbeat.

A short wreath laying service and Act of Remembrance conducted by Father Nicolas Spicer will take place at the War Memorial at approximately 10.50am.

The Worksop Salvation Army Band will play ‘The Last Post’ before the two minutes silence at 11.00am followed by the playing of the ‘Reveille’.

Following the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial, the parade will then proceed to the Priory Church for a further Service where the standards will be presented.