THE familiar sight of poppies in buttonholes each November could become a thing of the past – unless more Poppy Appeal co-ordinators can be found soon. The appeal is a chance for younger generations to remember those who gave their lives for their countr

THE familiar sight of poppies in buttonholes each November could become a thing of the past - unless more Poppy Appeal co-ordinators can be found soon.

The appeal is a chance for younger generations to remember those who gave their lives for their country.

Adele McAngus, community fund-raiser for the appeal, said: "We urgently need someone to organise the appeal in Ely. Every year the general public want to remember those who gave their lives for their country and help provide services for those who have served in the armed forces; it is, therefore, crucial to have someone in place to ensure that the public can get their poppies in time for Remembrance Sunday. We have a number of volunteers who regularly help with the appeal but at present there is no-one to co-ordinate their efforts."

Good organisational skills are needed and the co-ordinator will have the opportunity to work with their own team of volunteers as well as receiving support from The Royal British Legion.

The organiser would need to co-ordinate the distribution of poppies just before the start of the appeal in late October and count and bank the money afterwards. The role may suit newly retired people, someone leaving the forces, couples or younger people who want to do something worthwhile in their community.

The Royal British Legion receives more than 300,000 requests for help every year and provides emotional and financial welfare support for ex-service people and their dependants. This includes helping people secure War Disablement and Pensions, supporting claims for compensation, day care and residential care, home adaptations and specialist equipment and advice on employment and retraining. Welfare advisors are seeing more and more veterans and bereaved families from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and without the funds raised from the Poppy Appeal they will not be in a position to help these people.

INFO: If you think you might be able to help or would like to discuss the role in more detail, contact Adele McAngus on 01480 450191 or email amcangus@britishlegion.org.uk