Telford & Wrekin light show to kick off poppy appeal

The authority will join forces with the Royal British Legion to encourage locals to say thank you for the contribution made by the generation of the First World War.

The town was today launching its Poppy Appeal by inviting members of the public to see the Shropshire Poppy Sculpture at Telford & Wrekin library in Southwater.

The sculpture has been created by 81 primary schools in Shropshire and Telford, and will stand as a lasting legacy to the 5,286 lives lost from the county during the First World War 100 years ago.

The public will have a chance to write their own thank you on special cards which will go on display throughout the remembrance period.

Following this, once the sun has set, there will be the switching on of a poppy light projection in Southwater and at seven other locations across the county.

These are being organised by Stirchley & Brookside Parish Council, Oakengates Town Council, Hollinswood & Randlay Parish Council, Wrockwardine Wood & Trench Parish Council, Newport Town Council, Berrington Parish Council and Donnington & Muxton Parish Council.

The launch by Telford & Wrekin Council was today being replicated across the county. And hundreds were today manning poppy stalls, organised by regional Royal British Legion volunteers.

Councillor Chris Turley, Telford & Wrekin Council's armed forces lead, said: "Everyone has a connection to the First World War and we all have a reason to say thank you for the legacy that extraordinary generation left for us.

"The First World War left countless legacies that positively impact our lives today, from ground breaking social change and timeless works of art to pioneering innovations.

"As we come to the end of the First World War centenary, now is the time to come together in our communities and say thank you."

In the last year the generosity of the public helped the Royal British legion answer more requests for support.

The legion uses donations in many ways, including providing crisis grants, researching the long lasting impact of blast injuries on the body, lobbying the Government on issues that affect our community, sport and art based recovery programmes and advising on benefits and money issues.