For the second year running, a lack of volunteers means that Stone has no local coordinator to assist in the ordering and distributing of poppies.
A Sombre Revelation
The revelation came through discussions between A Little Bit of Stone and Mark Smith, the Poppy Appeal Manager for North Staffordshire. Mark revealed that the previous Poppy Appeal Organiser (PAO) from the Royal British Legion Branch in Stone had retired, leaving a void that proved hard to fill.
Following the absence of poppies in 2022, it was hoped that a new volunteer for 2023 would once again enable poppy sales to take place in the town. However, at short notice, the volunteer withdrew, leaving no time to arrange another PAO.
An Appeal for Community Involvement
Despite the disheartening scenario, there shines a sliver of hope for the tradition to come back in 2024. Mark has expressed a heartfelt plea for community groups or circles of friends to step forward and help revive this worthy cause.
“I’d ask anyone that is part of a community group or a close circle of friends with some time available around the October/November period to have a think about getting in touch with me to talk about possibilities for bringing the Poppy Appeal back to Stone once again.
It’s been two years since support for the Appeal from previous participants dissipated, leaving the town bereft of all things Poppy. As a disabled ex-Serviceman (and beneficiary of the Royal British Legion) and father of a serving RAF member, personally, I was bitterly disappointed to discover there was no fundraising support for the very thing that underwrites all of the care, grants and support provided to the Military Community from the traditional source of volunteers within the town and I am determined to turn this around for 2024.
This will give the people of Stone and surrounding areas an opportunity to show their support for an appeal that is vital to so many unseen recipients of support.”
The Underlying Significance
The absence of the Poppy Appeal is more than just a missed tradition; it’s a lost opportunity for the town to extend its support to the military community. The funds collected through the appeal play a crucial role in providing care, grants, and support to many unseen recipients of the military community, highlighting the vital need for a well-supported Poppy Appeal.
Looking Forward to 2024
With a determined resolve, Mark Smith and the local community harbour hopes of reviving the Poppy Appeal in 2024. The earnest appeal for volunteers reflects a stirring call for community involvement, resonating with the town’s spirit of camaraderie and respect for the brave.
If you’d like to get involved in bringing the poppy back to Stone in 2024, please email Mark at MSmith1@britishlegion.org.uk
4 comments
Wayne Cartlidge
I have provided my contact details to the RBL in 2022 and also this year, 2023. In 2021, I did the appeal in Stone with my fiancée. We also had help from I think it was either the cibs/scouts or the cadets. I was told in 2022 that Stone was not a priority for the RBL, which I thought was a very selfish reason, considering that we tried to cover the all businesses and schools in Stone in 2021, and being a veteran myself, to also find out that no one from the Stone RBL branch could assist was a further sad point to be informed of!
Yvonne Hawley
Poppies are on sale in the shoe repair shop in town. I bought a couple yesterday.
Carla Easter
Put my name down for helping
Ian Smith
Hi,
I’m an ex WO1 living in Stone.
I’d be happy to man a stall in somewhere like Aldi next week.
I have, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons available after 1400hrs and up to 1800hrs.
Regards
Ian