Mayor and music launches Poppy Appeal with pledge to remember

MORE than 100 people attended the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal in Henley.

Mayor Tom Buckley received the first poppy from Timothy Came, vice-chairman of the Henley branch of the Royal British Legion, on Saturday.

Last year’s appeal, up to October 1, raised more than £54,475, breaking its previous record of £47,000 in 2014.

David Wilson, the town crier, wearing the traditional livery, paraded from the bottom of the square towards the crowd, ringing his bell to launch the appeal before Cllr Buckley received the first poppy.

About 50 people gathered under a white gazebo, near to the town hall to form Sam Brown’s Fabulous Ukulele Band.

They entertained the crowd with their singing, ukuleles and violins, performing songs including Cecilia by Simon and Garfunkel, Ghost Riders in the Sky by Johnny Cash and These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ by Nancy Sinatra.

Mr Came, 59, who has been a member of the branch for more than six years, said: “The Legion is as relevant today as it was when it started in 1921, with three main purposes: looking after veterans and their families, supporting communities they live in and remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

“We have a history of service in our family, with members in both world wars, France, Burma and the Mediterranean Sea campaigns. Sadly, I’ve also lost friends during recent conflicts.”

He wore his great-grandfather’s hat, who died when he was four years old. Mr Came added: “He walked with a limp his entire life because his leg was nearly taken off in 1914 because of severe wounds.”

Cllr Buckley said it was an “honour” to receive the first poppy. He said: “The Legion, from my experience in Henley, is one of the most genuine charities that we have. The help that it gives and the people it supports makes it an honour for me to be given the first poppy.

“In Henley, you can see the names of the soldiers in the memorial plaque and the families that are affected so, to have the charity here, which has been going for more than 100 years, is great.

“I would encourage everyone to go out and buy a poppy to remember those who have fallen and are still fighting.”

Michael Bowker, 73, from Sonning Common, has attended or played in the ukulele band for the last 10 years.

He represented his father by wearing five of his medals, including his star from Italy and North Africa, his general service medal and two others.

Mr Bowker said: “It makes me immensely proud to be wearing these, especially on a day to remember him.

“My dad fought in the Second World War and was in the Royal Marines. He first fought in North Africa, fighting his way into Italy. He was injured and hospitalised a couple of times but he didn’t die in the war.”

Mr Bowker said days like this are important to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers. He said: “I think the younger generation is forgetting how bad it was.

“I wasn’t in the war either but I’ve heard stories from my dad and other people. War isn’t a nice thing and we really need to remember these people who sacrificed their lives so we can remember to avoid war if we possibly can. It’s not always possible but it’s important to try for peace if at all possible.”

Ruth Jolly, 74, of Whitchurch Hill, came to support her husband, Andre, who joined the ukulele group in 2012.

She praised Sam Brown, who founded the Fabulous Ukulele Club in 2010 with nine people in her front room.

She said: “Sam is brilliant. She brings everybody together, no matter what background you come from, if you can read or play music or not and if you can sing.”

During this time, Mrs Jolly will be remembering her friend from Aylesbury who served in the Falklands War in 1982. He returned with severe PTSD and now has a black Labrador as his assistance dog.

Jenna Evans came to watch her mother-in-law, Sue, play in the band. Her stepfather served for 30 years in the army as a chef. She said: “He left around
15 years ago after enrolling when he was 17.”

l The Poppy Appeal launch raised £1,715.