This is an especially busy time of year for the members and volunteers of Ferryhill Station Royal British Legion Branch as preparations for the annual Remembrance period are well underway.
Members and volunteers have recently repaired the poppy nets, which are now proudly displayed once again on the front of Ferryhill Town Hall. The Branch would like to express its sincere thanks to Ferryhill Town Council for its continued support.
It is an especially busy time for Clare Metcalfe, the Branch’s Poppy Appeal Organiser, who oversees the many activities associated with the annual Poppy Appeal. Clare would like to thank all members and volunteers for their continued support and commitment, which helps ensure the success of the Appeal year after year. The Branch, in turn, wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Clare for her dedication and hard work. While many people associate the Poppy Appeal with a few weeks in November, it is in fact a year-round commitment, and Clare’s efforts throughout the year are greatly appreciated by all involved.
The Branch would also like to thank Ferryhill Co-op once again for its continued support of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal by allowing volunteers to have a Poppy Appeal table within the store for five days. This ongoing support is greatly appreciated and helps the Branch raise both awareness and vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.
In addition to the poppy nets, members and volunteers have installed poppy ropes throughout the town, along with Remembrance silhouette soldiers and commemorative poppies at all entrances to Ferryhill.
The Branch’s Duncombe Cemetery Remembrance Project continues throughout the year. As part of this ongoing work, Branch Secretary Andy Denholm recently researched and installed the 80th Remembrance Silhouette on the previously unmarked grave of a First World War veteran.
The Branch was also delighted to welcome coaches and members of Mainsforth Boxing & Fitness Club to Duncombe Cemetery, where they assisted in placing Royal British Legion crosses on the graves and family memorials of the 80 service personnel buried or commemorated there.
On Saturday 31 October, Vice Chair Clare Metcalfe, Secretary Andy Denholm and Committee Member Val Watson attended the North East Field of Remembrance at Saltwell Park. Branch Standard Bearer Robert Gray had the honour of assisting both the Northumbria County Parade Marshal and Assistant County Parade Marshal during the event.
While attending the Field of Remembrance, Branch representatives also had the pleasure of meeting Helen Owen, Trustee of the Royal British Legion and Chair of the Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland.
Anyone wishing to support the work of Ferryhill Station Royal British Legion Branch or become a member is encouraged to get in touch by emailing Ferryhill.Secretary@rbl.community.