Woking Poppy Appeal Launch: 'Thank you' to the First World War generation

Date: 

Tuesday, 16 October, 2018

The annual Woking Poppy Day Appeal 2018 will launch in Jubilee Square on Saturday 27 October as The Royal British Legion marks the end of the First World War Centenary by saying 'Thank You' to the generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. This year the Legion is leading a movement to recognise the contribution of the entire First World War generation including those who Served, the Commonwealth, women, children, pioneers and artists.

Joining the movement and encouraging locals to say their own 'Thank You' is John Kingsbury, Woking Armed Forces Champion, who will launch the Legion's Poppy Day for West Surrey's Poppy Appeal.

Supported by Woking Borough Council, the Poppy Day will feature Veterans, Service Personnel and cadets accompanied by the British Airways Marching Band parading to the War Memorial in Jubilee Square for 10.55am. They will then be joined by the Mayor of Woking, Will Forster, and Civic guests, for the Exhortation led by John Kingsbury, and a one minute's silence at 11am.

The parade will be followed by a jam packed day of performances from Summerscales Performing Arts, Oatlands Pipe Band and Alder Valley Brass.

The Royal British Legion collectors and cadets will be stationed around Woking offering Poppies to the public and a selection of Military Vehicles will be on display in Commercial Way.

John Kingsbury said: "Everyone has a connection to the First World War, and we all have a reason to say 'Thank You' for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.

"The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations. As we come to the end of the First World War Centenary now is the time to come together in our communities and say 'Thank You'.

"This Poppy Appeal wear your poppy with pride to support the Armed Forces community past and present. Every donation received will make a real difference to the lives of Service men and women, veterans and their loved ones."

The fundraising target in Surrey is £1,500,000 which will go towards the Legion's biggest ever national target of £50 million to continue its vital work delivering practical, through life care and support to the Armed Forces community.

In the last year the generosity of the British public helped the Legion answer more requests for support. The Legion uses donations in many ways including providing crisis grants, researching the long lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the government on issues that affect our community, sport and art based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.

The Royal British Legion's Community Fundraiser for West Surrey Lauryn Selby said: "During the Poppy Appeal 2018 we are calling on the nation to say 'Thank You' to the First World War generation, not just the British Armed Forces, but those who fought alongside them from today's Commonwealth and the countless men, women and children who played their part on the home front.

"The work of the Legion is as relevant and vital today as it was in the aftermath of the First World War when the charity was founded. The donation for your poppy will help the Legion support today's Armed Forces community through hardships, injury and bereavements. Generations of the Armed Forces have continued to serve and sacrifice since the First World War, and we recognise and thank them all for their contribution.

"This Poppy Appeal we have set our highest ever target at £50 million. The Legion's work is entirely dependent on the public's generous support - so please wear your poppy with pride and dig deep, knowing that you are supporting our Armed Forces community."

Performance programme

Time

Activity/Performer

10.50am

Parade led by British Airways Marching Band begins

11am

Exhortation by John Kingsbury

11.01am

One minute silence

11.10am

Poems read by school children

11.20am - 11.40am

Summerscales Performing Arts

11.40am - 12.20pm

British Airways Marching Band

12.20pm - 1pm

Oatlands Pipe Band

1pm - 1.45pm

Alder Valley Brass

1.45pm - 2.30pm

Oatlands Pipe Band

2.30pm - 3.15pm

Alder Valley Brass