Mayor and MP launch Poppy Appeal ahead of Remembrance Sunday

Mayor and MP Launch Poppy Appeal Ahead of Remembrance Sunday

The Colchester branch of the Royal British Legion has opened a pop-up shop in Red Lion Walk where residents can purchase poppies and make donations to support military veterans and their families.

Colchester’s Mayor Mike Lilley, Mayoress Lyn Barton, and the city’s MP Pam Cox officially launched this year’s Poppy Appeal. They urged everyone to give generously for the cause.

Local Support for the Appeal

Jackie Mason, Secretary of the Colchester branch, expressed gratitude for the support from Red Lion Walk, saying:

“Thanks to the generosity of Red Lion Walk, this is going to be our base for this year’s Poppy Appeal. We’d like to thank them and all the schools, businesses, and supermarkets across Colchester that have displayed our poppies and donation pots.”

The launch event also included the presence of Lt Col Ed Rankin, Commander of Colchester Garrison, and former Gurkha Major Udai Gurung MBE, Chair of Colchester Diverse Communities Network.

MP’s Remarks on the Appeal

MP Pam Cox highlighted the importance of community support, stating:

“This is a great way for everyone in Colchester to show their support for our veterans and armed forces and their families. Thanks to Martin Leatherdale, manager of Red Lion Walk, and his team for making the pop-up shop possible.”

The Poppy Appeal will continue until Armistice Day, Tuesday, November 11.

Author’s summary: The annual Poppy Appeal in Colchester invites the community to support veterans, with a new pop-up shop and strong local involvement leading up to Remembrance Sunday.

The Gazette — 2025-11-06