Saturday October 25th marked the launch date of the Royal British Legion’s 2015 Poppy Appeal and Heather Wheeler MP, once again helped launch the scheme in South Derbyshire alongside Swadlincote’s award winning Air Training Corps Squadron, 1211 at Sainsbury’s in Swadlincote.
‘It is 101 years since the start of the First World War and the need, to not simply remember but to commemorate the actions of the soldiers who gallantly fought and lost their lives during the terrible conflict is ever-present. These poignant acts of remembrance that bring together the communities of South Derbyshire, with people of all ages, in single acts of commemoration. This is displayed excellently with the work of 1211 Squadron who take time out of their busy schedule to assist the local RBL branch in selling poppies’
‘The important work of the Royal British Legion goes towards helping not only veterans of older conflicts but those who need help from more recent conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq.'
‘I am always ready and willing to help assist with the South Derbyshire Branch of the RBL and only earlier in the month was here to help send off and give my best wishes to the Poppy Appeal ride to Matlock from Swadlincote in which over 250 bikes attended to raise money for the appeal.'
'Important local events such as this are always a priority on the calendar and I credit the exemplary work of both the RBL and 1211 Squadron in raising money for this great, worthwhile appeal.’
Heather, as in previous years was in attendance at the Swadlincote memorial gates on Remembrance Sunday, 8th November, where she laid a wreath alongside other dignitaries whilst taking part in the short remembrance service.