Wednesday 9th October was our second open meeting of the year.
The event was well supported with 22 members and 10 visitors, all eager to hear Sandie Pepperell speak about the history and work of the Royal British Legion (RBL); a subject close to her heart. Sandie has been the local organiser of the Poppy Appeal for many years.
She explained how the RBL was formed on 15th May 1921, bringing together four national organisations of ex-servicemen that had established themselves after WW1. Lord Haig served as the first president of the RBL, until his death in 1928.
The charity was established to care for those who had suffered as a result of service during WW1. It has been helping the armed services community and their families ever since through its national network of partners and charities who provide lifelong support to current, and ex service personnel and their dependents.
Papaver rhoeas, known as the “Flanders Poppy” was seen growing on the battle-scarred land of Belgium in the warm early spring of 1915. Lieutenant John McCrea, who tended to the wounded at Ypres was inspired to write the poem “In Flanders Field”. The poem became well known across Europe and America. Through the work of two women, Moina Michael in the States and Anna Guerin in France, Earl Haig was persuaded to use the poppy as the emblem for the RBL.
In 1922 the Poppy Factory was founded in London to provide employment for ex service personnel. The factory, now located in Richmond, works year round and churns out almost 45million poppies annually. Poppies can only be sold between 27th October and 11th November. All monies collected must be sent to the RBL by 1st December to meet Charity Commission requirements. If possible UK tax payers should complete a Gift Aid form when purchasing a poppy; this can raise significant extra funds for the charity.
Bridget Coleman thanked Sandie for a very interesting and thought-provoking talk. Linda Aucock will lay the wreath on behalf of the WI at the service in the village on Sunday 10th November.
After drawing the raffle, members were reminded of future WI events. They also agreed to run the cake stall at the village Christmas fair.
Our next meeting on 13th November will see Robert Driscoll show us why “It’s a balloon world after all”.
Sarah Pennington
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