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Pupils decorate Poppy Soldier to launch annual appeal
24/10/2024
Bishop Loveday School students have had a week of reflection ahead of today’s launch
Children from Bishop Loveday School in Bodicote helped launch the annual Poppy Appeal in North Oxfordshire this morning.
The youngsters decorated a Poppy Solider at Cherwell District Council’s offices. In the next few days the soldier will be moved to Banbury Cross. Ahead of this year’s Remembrance period it has been fully refurbished.
The school’s students were selected for the task as Bishop Loveday was the school which raised the most money for last year’s poppy appeal.
Head of School, Dee Loader, said: “We’ve had a week of reflection that started with writing names on the poppies of those who had died from Banbury in the wars. It was really good for children to think about the past, about who they are, why we’re here and why we have the freedom that we have.
“The children going out every morning to sell the poppies is our way of giving back some amazing money. We have a motto of ‘be the change’ – they want to be that change and do better for the community.”
Funds raised by this year’s Poppy Appeal will help the Royal British Legion supporting serving and ex-serving personnel, veterans and their families, who find themselves facing hardship, injuries or bereavements.
Collection boxes have been placed at over 200 shops, warehouses, offices and eateries across the area.
Collectors will also be found in a number of locations, as appeal organiser Chris Smithson explained: “This year we’ll be in Castle Quay for the next three weekends – that’s Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Plus we’ll be in the supermarkets: Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tescos and Waitrose.
“Hopefully we’ll beat last year’s total where we raised over £70,500. That was a record breaker – and that’s just Banbury and the surrounding villages!
“It really is great support we get from the general public.”
A few additional volunteers are being sought to assist with the collections. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Chris Smithson on 07703 316945, or by email on c.smithson265@btinternet.com.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam