People in Stourbridge encouraged to support Poppy Appeal 'bridging the gap between generations'
Groups representing all sectors of Stourbridge came together to give shoppers and others a timely reminder of this year's Poppy Appeal.
The Stourbridge community is coming together this year to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, VJ Day and Remembrance Sunday next month.
There were people of all ages at the town's Ryemarket, including Suzanne Webb OBE who became the public face and official organiser of the poppy appeal in May after being involved with Stourbridge Royal British Legion (RBL) when she was representing the town as an MP.
The appeal has been supported by the Royal British Legion (RBL), voluntary organisations such as the Friends of Wollescote Park and businesses including Specsavers, H Porter and Sons, Parkfield Grange Care Home, The Ryemarket Shopping Centre and even Stourbridge Football Club and Stourbridge Rugby.
The gathering also included Stourbridge RBL chairman Mick Thompson and Joyce Gould, who is a stalwart of the organisation, which dates back to 1921. At the other end of the age spectrum, 17-year-old Cadets and Poppy Appeal supporters Orlando Byard and Jacob McTaggart represented Oldswinford Hospital School.
Orlando said: "Remembrance reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy were built on the courage and sacrifice of others. It is not only our duty to honour those who gave their lives for our today, but to stand with those who are left behind."
Suzanne said: "This a particularly poignant appeal marking the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day and we want to raise as much awareness of the Poppy Appeal as possible.
"The appeal brings together the business community, sports clubs, voluntary organisations and of course businesses - the Ryemarket management have been tremendously supportive of it as has the public and everyone in the town
"I got involved with the RBL and the Poppy Appeal when I was the MP and then someone tapped me on the shoulder earlier this year and asked me if I wanted to become the organiser. I have enjoyed every minute of my involvement with it.
"But It is a huge logistical effort at this time of year with poppy boxes being delivered out by an army of local volunteers to over 200 locations.
"We will also be in the Ryemarket and Tesco's Crown Centre from the Saturday until November 9. The aim is to make this years appeal the best ever yet and ensure the legacy lives on and so that in another 80 years we keep remembering."
Learn more at https://www.suzannewebb.org.uk/.
