Annual Poppy Appeal begins in Sheffield with ceremony outside Town Hall

Coun Tony Downing, the current Lord Mayor, accepted the first poppy of the season from Bryan Green, chairman of the Sheffield branch of the Royal British Legion, in a short ceremony on Friday, October 23.

Traditionally, as the first citizen of the city, the Lord Mayor buys the first poppy to be sold in Sheffield every year, marking the beginning of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal which is held in November to commemorate those who died on behalf of the country.

Money raised from the Poppy Appeal is then used to help those serving in the British Armed Forces, those who have previously served, and their families – funding everything from rehabilitation courses and career advice for people who have left the service, to any other type of support they need.

Pat Davey, chairman of the Sheffield and District Joint Council of Ex-Service Associations, said the coronavirus pandemic would sadly limit this year’s effort to just one attended collection point in Crystal Peaks, where social distancing and volunteer safety can be properly ensured.

However, poppies will still be on offer in places such as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Tesco and in some other smaller shops.

Ms Davey, who is also chairman of the Frecheville branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Sheffield lost an awful lot of men and civilians in the two world wars, and the ceremony represents the drawing together of the two major functions as far as remembrance are concerned in the city – the council and the British Legion.”

She added: “The city as a whole normally takes somewhere in the region of £200,000. We know the British Legion are going to be down considerably this year because we can’t promote the Poppy Appeal or have people selling poppies as much as they usually have done.

"Please wherever you can support the Poppy Appeal. Lets see that Sheffield can at least make its mark for the British Legion this year of all years.”

The annual poppy appeal begins on Saturday, October 24, and runs until Saturday, November 7.

To donate or buy a poppy online visit the Royal British Legion website.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.