Shortly after losing a friend in Ypres in 1915, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write his now famous poem, In Flanders Fields.
The poem inspired American War Secretary, Moina Michael, who bought poppies to sell to her friends to raise money for servicemen in need after the First World War.
This was adopted by the (Royal) British Legion in 1921, who ordered a million poppies from Anna Guerin in France and commissioned a further 8 million to be manufactured in Britain. These were sold on 11 November that year in the first ever Poppy Appeal. The poppies sold out almost immediately and raised over £106,000.
The poppy has been adopted as a symbol of remembrance ever since with communities across Britain donating to support the armed forces, veterans, serving soldiers and their families with financial support, advice, employment, housing, and mental health.
The appeal officially launches on 24 October and this year sees Christine Potts, Poppy Appeal Organiser and her husband Lenny’s, 50th year of supporting the British Legion as coordinator of the appeal in Chilton. Both are true community champions.
Lenny, himself a veteran, having served in the 11th Hussars Cavalry Regiment, talks about how proud he was to serve and how important it is to support the appeal and remember the contribution our armed services have made and continue to make. This includes being mobilised during natural disasters, humanitarian and environmental crisis and as a peace-making force around the world.
Each poppy costs approximately £3 to make and 35 million are now made each year some by veterans in the original Poppy Factory, Richmond on Thames, which also acts as an archive and exhibition for the poppy appeal.
Donations of all sizes are welcome but the act of wearing the poppy is the true act of support and recognition for the service and sacrifice made by our armed forces. From the 1st World War up to the present day.
Poppies and wreaths will be available from Chilton Town Council Office, Hutton House.
If you would like to knit or crochet your own poppy to wear, join the Women’s Craft Group from 10am on Thursday mornings.
There will be a Remembrance Sunday Service on 10 November at St Aidan’s Church, Chilton from 10am.
For further information contact Chilton Town Council on 01388 721788 or by email at info[@]chiltondurham-tc[.]gov[.]uk.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
