National Poppy Appeal launch - 22 Oct 2009

[Richard]

Here's some more hot news from The Royal British Legion:

National Poppy Appeal launch - 22 October 2009

The national launch of the 2009 Poppy Appeal will be held at Horse Guards Parade, London on
Thursday 22 October at 12 noon.

Dame Vera Lynn, Hayley Westenra, Guards band, Queen's Life Guards in state ceremonial regalia and Poppy Appeal poster case studies will all be present.

The theme of this year's Appeal is helping the Afghanistan generation of the Armed Forces and their families – today and for the rest of their lives.

Dame Vera Lynn, the original Second World War Forces sweetheart who is once again at the top of the British charts, will be joined by Armed Forces songbird Hayley Westenra in launching the Poppy Appeal with support of the British Armed Forces.

They will be accompanied by an Elizabeth Cross widow whose husband fell in Afghanistan and a Royal Marine who lost his legs in Afghanistan. The 2009 Poppy Appeal theme and fundraising target will be announced by Russell Thompson OBE, Director of National Events and Fundraising for The Royal British Legion.

Richard

[Martin]

Thanks Richard - the date is in my diary (also 11th Nov for Trafalgar Square).

Martin

[grant]

Hi Richard and Martin

I'm also planning to come down on 22nd so I'll see you both there.

Do we know what's happening at Trafalgar Square on 11th November (apart from the obvious that is! ) I haven't seen any details posted or am I missing something. Will definately come down if Hayley is involved!

Best wishes
Grant

[Dave]

Oct 12, 2009 15:03:05 GMT Richard said:

Here's some more hot news from The Royal British Legion:

National Poppy Appeal launch - 22 October 2009

The national launch of the 2009 Poppy Appeal will be held at Horse Guards Parade, London on
Thursday 22 October at 12 noon.

Dame Vera Lynn, Hayley Westenra, Guards band, Queen's Life Guards in state ceremonial regalia and Poppy Appeal poster case studies will all be present.

Richard

It is very early in the day for me to be in London but I shall try to be there...

Oct 12, 2009 15:03:05 GMT Richard said:

Dame Vera Lynn, the original Second World War Forces sweetheart who is once again at the top of the British charts...

Dame Vera has now been in the top 20 of the UK album chart for 7 weeks and this week she went back up 5 places to no. 5. This is quite unusual charts behaviour, somewhat reminiscent of Hayley's "Pure" in 2003 but so far, even better

If it continues to sell well until Christmas, as "Pure" did starting in the same month (September), it will indirectly give a boost to both the Poppy appeal and to Hayley... and of course, vice-versa.

Cheers, Dave

[Richard]

Hello everybody!

I've put the launch in my diary too, so I hope to see you there.

I've found some information about this year's Silence in the Square HERE:

Silence in the Square - 11 November 2009

In 2009, The Royal British Legion will again host a "Silence in the Square" event in Trafalgar Square, London on 11 November.

The event should commence around 10.00am with a programme of entertainment leading up to 11.00am and the public is invited to attend. Details of the day's programme will be released closer to the event.

Following the Two Minute Silence at 11.00am, guests will be invited to scatter poppy petals in the fountains in a symbolic act of Remembrance.

It has been announced that Indie group Athlete will perform their new single Black Swan Song at the event.

I'll look out for any further information and I'll start a new thread if Hayley will be participating again.

Richard

[grant]

Hi Richard

Hopefully there's a good chance for Hayley's involvement again this year with her being so involved with the launch events. If so, I will certainly be there

Best wishes
Grant

[gordon]

Hi All,

Just to let you know that I hope to make this event too.

Gordon

[Mark]

Hi Grant, Gorden, martin & Richard

I think that I may well join you - as it stands at the moment, I should be free. The event starts at 12 noon, so what time do you suggest we meet and where ?

Best wishes
Mark

[Richard]

Hello Mark and everybody!

I suggest we meet between 10:30 and 11:00 at the entrance to Horse Guards Parade in Horse Guards Road, which is on the edge of St. James's Park.

See you there,

Richard

[Richard]

The best place to meet up is by the Guards Memorial in St. James's Park, directly opposite Horse Guards Parade.

www.remembering.org.uk/guards_memorial.htm



Richard

[gordon]

Hi Richard,

Thanks for the info,I will aim to get there by 11am.

Gordon

[scoobedoo]

Hi everyone,have a nice day on the 22nd looking at the photo Richard posted (just above Gordon post ) there are some rather heavy looking rainclouds lurking about. What is the long range weather forecast for that day in London? I hope it's not what is in Richards photo. Have a great day everyone and pass on my regards to Hayley if you get the chance,


cheers,

Rodders

[grant]

Hi Gordon, Richard and everyone

My train should arrive in London around 9.30 so I should be there soon after 10am.

I assume Charing Cross is the closest underground station.

Best wishes
Grant

[Richard]

Hello Grant and everybody!

Charing Cross is the nearest station. The best way from there is to walk down the Mall and turn left into Horse Guards Road. The Guards Memorial is directly opposite Horse Guards Parade.

See you on Thursday,

Richard

[Martin]

Article taken today from the Scottish Herald newspaper:

Brown given first poppy as campaign launches

Gordon Brown meets with members of the Poppy Scotland appeal

Prime Minister Gordon Brown was presented with a poppy today ahead of the official launch of the annual appeal.

Mr Brown posed with his wife, Sarah, and volunteer poppy collectors on the steps of 10 Downing Street this morning.

Three of the volunteers were wearing yellow Stand With Me” T-shirts, echoing the message of the campaign.

Forces sweethearts Dame Vera Lynn and Hayley Westenra will launch the official campaign on Thursday at Horseguards Parade in central London, a Royal British Legion spokesman said.

He said: “The Prime Minister was presented his poppy this morning, as is the tradition, in advance of the launch of the poppy appeal.”