Annual Poppy Appeal Launch 2023

Published: 27 October 2023

On Thursday 26 October, the Mayor, Cllr Ann Hughes and Sheriff, Adam Burns-Mace, joined members of the Lichfield Royal British Legion Branch James O’Hagan, John Hemstock & Patrick Allan, outside the Guildhall to launch the annual Poppy appeal.

The money collected will be used to care for and support military families which includes grants, employment advice, funding, emotional support, tribunal and inquest advice, care homes and family breaks, as well as helping service personnel returning from current and past conflicts.

The Mayor said ‘On Sunday 12 November at 11.00 am, people around the nation will pause to remember those lives lost in past conflicts. We owe a debt of gratitude to our service personnel who across the years have made sacrifices on our behalf. I strongly encourage everyone to show their thanks to the servicemen and women of our armed forces, by supporting the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal and buying and wearing their poppy with pride. As Mayor of Lichfield, it will be my great honour and privilege to lay a wreath on behalf of the City of Lichfield at 11.00am in the Garden of Remembrance – all are welcome to come along and observe the customary two minutes silence.’

Once again, there will be no British Legion parade this year due to the absence of a band. Instead, the Civic party will process from the Guildhall and join members of the Royal British Legion at the West side of the Cathedral.

From L-R: James O’Hagan, Mayor Cllr Ann Hughes, Sheriff Adam Burns-Mace, Sheriff’s Consort Anthea Maou, John Hemstock & Patrick Allan.