Poppy Appeal launched in Darlington

Members of the Royal British Legion joined the Mayor of Darlington to launch the town’s 2018 Poppy Appeal.

The Mayor, Councillor Veronica Copeland, welcomed the guests with a short speech about the history and importance of the appeal, before hanging a wreath at a memorial plaque within the Town Hall, honouring council staff who died during the Second World War.

The group were joined by Andrew Bland and Steven Robinson, members of Grassroots Darlington, which offers educational and work-based training opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Grassroots members have created a series of wooden crosses, adorned with poppies, which will go on display in the town’s two Morrison’s branches and in the Garden of Remembrance at the Memorial Hospital.

Sales of poppies will take place in venues around the town from Saturday (27 October) until Saturday 10 November.

There will be a special Poppy Appeal shop in the Indoor Market every day between 10am and 4pm, selling a variety of items. Wreaths for Remembrance events can also be collected from the stall.

Poppy sellers will also be available at Morrison’s - North Road and Morton Park - the Cornmill Centre, Sainsbury’s and Asda.

On Saturday 10 November the Mayor will take to High Row with TA cadets to sell poppies ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Councillor Copeland, Mayor of Darlington, said: “The people of Darlington always show great support to the appeal, which is a vital fundraising opportunity to support our veterans, as well as showing our respects to those who gave their lives in war.

“The volunteers from the Royal British Legion do a wonderful job across the borough and I’d like to thank them for their efforts, this and every year.

“The wooden crosses created by the members of Grassroots Darlington will also have a special place in the commemorations as we mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.”