MEMBERS of the Armed Forces have helped to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal in Helston.

They joined Jenny Harvey, who runs the appeal each year for Helston, Gweek, Gunwalloe, Trewennack and Culdrose, at Tesco Helston.

Also attending the launch on Saturday was Helston councillor John Martin.

The launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal marks the start of the national period of Remembrance when the nation wears the poppy and reflects on the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces.

This year’s plastic-free poppy is the first redesign of the iconic symbol of Remembrance in a generation and is the largest in a series of designs since the poppy was first used to raise funds in 1921, although not everywhere in Cornwall has them due to older stock needing to be sold first. 

Falmouth Packet: Donna and Mark Stonelake wearing the new plastic free poppy Donna and Mark Stonelake wearing the new plastic free poppy (Image: Supplied)Members of the public will be able to get their poppy – the original version and the new plastic-free version – from thousands of volunteers across the UK, or from major supermarkets.

READ NEXT: Poppy Appeal 2023 launches across Cornwall with its new plastic-free poppy

All funds raised from the Poppy Appeal will be used by Royal British Legion to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families, in a range of ways from help with the cost of living, mental wellbeing and housing to support recovery after trauma or illness.

Falmouth Packet: A previous Remembrance Sunday parade in Helston A previous Remembrance Sunday parade in Helston (Image: Stock)

More than £4 million has been raised in Cornwall for the appeal in the last ten years.

Helston's collection for 2023 has got off to a good start already, with £400 being raised during Flambards Firework Extravaganza last Wednesday (October 25). 

On Sunday, November 12, the annual Remembrance Day parade will take place in Helston town, with other services, parades and ceremonies taking place on the same day across Cornwall, as well as on Armistice Day itself, November 11. 

Full details about Helston’s parade have yet to be announced. The Packet will keep you informed once more information becomes available.

However, the Helston Royal British Legion Remembrance Concert will take place on Saturday, November 11 at 7pm in St Michael’s Church in Helston, featuring Helston Town Band and Culdrose Military Wives Choir with Jack Curnow. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Jenny Harvey in advance or on the door.