THE 101st Poppy Appeal was officially launched in Colchester as mayor Tim Young bought the first poppy.

The annual appeal symbolises and commemorates Colchester’s long standing military history with links to many residents and their families within the city.

The Colchester branch of the Poppy Appeal was one of the founding members of the Royal British Legion appeal.

It was founded in August 1921 with the organisation celebrating its 100th birthday last year.

Speaking on the Poppy Appeal’s importance, organiser Jackie Mason said: “It’s a garrison town, it always has been, there are lots of military personnel here, sometimes generations.

“Everyone believes it is so important to remember the world wars but it’s not all about war, it’s about the armed forces, those who have sadly died, the living and their families, we can support them and honour them all.

“Schools are spreading awareness of our military history, it’s our future.

"On Saturday, November 12, we will have Cadets helping with the appeal in the town centre.

"It symbolises young and old mixing together for their community."

On how the organisation fared during the pandemic, Jackie said: “We managed through the pandemic, though it was difficult as it was for everyone.

“We couldn’t mix with people as he had done before, so we did what we could in whatever way was legal at the time. Things were constantly changing, and we had to adhere to what the Government was saying.

“Funds were down, and it was a tough time for everyone, but people still donated in such a difficult time.”

On her favourite part of the Poppy Appeal, Jackie said: “I love the social part, standing and mixing with the general public, people watching and speaking with total strangers.

“People will come up to the table and discuss their grandfather’s, or dad’s military background, looking to buy a regimental cross.

“I love being able to mix with all age groups. People are willing to donate money to a good cause and have a nice chat whilst doing so.

“We are all volunteers from the community, some people have been doing it for decades. We have one gentleman in his eighties, the general public ask after him, recalling seeing him in the same spot each year.

“New people come forward every year, giving their time up because they want to.”

On Colchester’s involvement with the appeal, President of the Colchester Branch of the Royal British Legion, Fred Woolhouse, said: “The fantastic generosity of Colcestrians is something that sets this community apart.

“Money raised enables the legion to continue its vital work delivering lifelong support to service and ex-service personnel and their families through hardships, injuries, and bereavement including new initiatives to help with the cost-of-living and hardship.”

Poppies are available from supermarkets, shops and the Poppy Appeal shop in Lion Walk.

Anyone interested in volunteering as a collector, or who would like to request poppies for their business or organisation can contact the Colchester branch secretary at colchester.secretary@rbl.com.