Royal British Legion in Workington host Poppy Appeal Launch

Workington Royal British Legion held the launch event on Saturday which was well received by fellow members and the public.

It took place in The Hub in the town centre and involved local biker club Tribe Cumbria who have done a lot to help the Royal British Legion in recent years.

Tony Jackson, Chairman of the Workington Royal British Legion said: "It was to let the people of the town know that the appeal is up and running.

"There will be poppy tins and collection boxes all over town.

"People can find them in shops, pubs and supermarkets."

Tribe Cumbria, a group of bikers, were invited to be the symbol of the Poppy Appeal with the group's governor Dave Oxford helping to lead the ceremony.

Tony explained that the group have a strong commitment to helping the community and said they have done a great amount of work for the Royal British Legion Branch.

Over the years the group have held charity nights and helped to sell poppies with a lot of their work going unseen according to Tony.

Around fifty people attended the event and members of the public flocked to see the service.

The bikers rode around the estates of Workington carrying the poppy wreath before arriving at The Hub.

A formal ceremony was held and the Final Post was sounded with this being followed by a presentation.

The national start of the Poppy Appeal will begin on the 4th November.

Mr Jackson added: "It's important that people know the appeal is still going ahead during these times of Covid.

"The fundraising is already going very well according to our figures and we expect this to be a good year for the Ryal British Legion.

"We'll be hosting another event at The Hub on the 11th November at 11am for the remembrance day service which people are welcome to come along and attend."

To find out more information contact The Royal British Legion in Workington on 01900 68834 or visit their website on http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/workington.