Last Friday saw the launch of the Shildon Branch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal which was held at Shildon Railway Institute.
An evening of entertainment had been arranged by the branch which saw Shildon singer Steph Austin wow the crowd with her singing talents. At the half way point of the evening, the first poppy was taken by Korean War Veteran and Shildon resident John Waller who, at the grand age of 90, is the oldest veteran in the branch.
A moving speech was read out by branch vice chair Dave Reynolds to remember the life of Ian Meacham, a former member of the RBL and Institute regular, who passed away recently. Town Mayor, Cllr Shirley Quinn had prepared the speech for Dave to read aloud in her absence and she noted that while Ian was a quiet and private man, he was held in high regard by many and will be sorely missed.
A raffle was held on the night and £100 was raised for the poppy appeal.
A spokesperson for the branch said, “An excellent evening was had by all at this year’s Poppy Launch and we hope that the appeal will go from strength to strength. Please keep an eye out in the Crier for notice of this year’s Remembrance Parades as details will be published very soon.”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
