Poppy Appeal launched in Newark by Mayor of Newark Diane Ledger alongside members of Royal British Legion’s Newark branch

Collection tins are at the ready as the Poppy Appeal returns to Newark for another year.

Over the next few weeks, the iconic red flowers, associated with acts of remembrance and our armed forces, will fill the town as people pay tribute to those that lost their lives in war.

This year’s appeal was officially launched by Mayor of Newark Diane Ledger today, alongside members of Royal British Legion’s Newark branch.

From this weekend, the Legion will be holding a stall in the Market Place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10am to 3.30pm, where residents will be able to show their support for the armed forces charity by picking up a paper poppy or pin and offering a donation.

Around 300 collection tins, and counting, have also been handed out across town, with schools, businesses, and dedicated individuals eager to do their part.

Paul Spreckley, Newark Poppy Appeal organiser, said: “It is important that we continue to remember the sacrifices made by our armed forces, not just those we have lost, but those that were injured and affected mentally too.

“After the First World War so many men came home with problems and we didn’t know what it was. After the Second World War we called it Shellshock, now it is PTSD. Whatever the name, it’s still the same and there is help there for those that need it.

“Everything we collect goes towards providing that help.

“This year we marked 80 years since we went into Europe to restore freedom. That must not be forgotten and it is wonderful to see young people being educated about this and continuing that legacy.

“We would not be able to do the Poppy Appeal without our volunteers, so I want to say a big thank you to them.”

Thanks to the generosity of the public, the Legion was able to raise £49,400 during last year’s appeal, smashing their original target by nearly £5,000.

Now, Paul hopes that they will be able to go a step further and surpass the £50,000 milestone with support from the community.

This year will also have particular poignance as the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Battle of Arnhem, two major second world war events.

The appeal will come to an end on Remembrance Sunday, November 10, where a parade of military personnel will march through Newark’s streets before wreaths are laid to the war memorial in the grounds of Newark Parish Church, followed by a Service of Remembrance.

The next day, Armistice Day, the country will fall silent at 11am to mark the 106th anniversary of the end of the First World War.