Many readers will remember that in the build up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday last year, there was a shortage of poppies in Settle and the surrounding area.
Given the huge local support for Remembrance Sunday not only at the Settle War Memorial but also in the war memorials in surrounding area, this was a great shame. Many of the names on the War Memorials connect to families who are still in the district.
I put a post on Settle Chat on Facebook at the time explaining the situation and putting myself forward to become the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal organiser for 2024 and beyond. I am grateful for the very positive responses to that post from business offering to host collection boxes and people volunteering to help with the organisation of the local Poppy Appeal.
Spring may seem to be rather early to bring up the subject of the Poppy Appeal which takes place in October and November, but I am conscious that if I don’t ask for support now and start to organise how the Poppy Appeal will take place, it will soon be too late.
I am currently going through the application process to become the Settle Poppy Appeal organiser and I would like to hear from any of you who would be interested in helping with the organisation of the local poppy collection, which will involve putting together collection boxes to be delivered to various organisations and businesses as well as potentially manning collection points on busy shopping days when hopefully we will be able to offer other Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal merchandise such as broaches and car badges.
In the past there was a strong Royal British Legion branch in Settle including a women’s section. I am aware there are ex-service people who are now living in the Settle area, but these days Royal British Legion membership is not confined to being an ex-service person and is open to everyone who shares the values of the Legion to support the Armed Forces Community. Should we wish to restart the Settle Branch, we will require a minimum of 15 people who are prepared to become members and suitable volunteers to fulfil committee positions. If you are interested in belonging to a Settle branch of the Royal British Legion, I look forward to hearing from you by email to: rbl.poppy.settle@gmail.com or as a message via Facebook.
Toby Lehmann
