Poppy petals have great appeal in Ferndown

A crowd gathered in Penny’s Walk, Ferndown to support the launch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal on 28 October.

To start the event, the town mayor, Cllr Cathy Lugg led the young poppies parade through the precinct with the Bournemouth Youth Marching Band.

Guests of honour included Chelsea Pensioner, Brian Cumming MBE and Mr Gerry Nunn, the county chairman of Dorset Royal British Legion who joined the mayor amongst other dignitaries for the service. Andy McGregor-Robb who had just completed the London to Paris bike ride in aid of the appeal was also at the launch.

The highlight for many was the poppy explosion from the roof of the theatre, with thousands of poppy petals falling during the Remembrance two-minute silence.

Afterwards, the band played military themed pieces before the crowd joined in with The Land Girls’ collection of wartime favourites and the more modern sets of Tanya Miller and Anne-Marie Davis.

Chairman of Ferndown Royal British Legion, Grant Parrott said, “It is tremendous to see that the poppy launch has become part of the town’s year. We are very grateful to all the people of Ferndown who took part or came along to support and gave us such a wonderful start to the poppy appeal. We look forward to an even bigger event in 2018, the centenary year of the end of WW1.”

The best-dressed poppy of 2017 went to Penelope and the trophy for the best-dressed window competition was won by Ferndown Florist.