Aroundtown Magazine Nov/Dec 2023 edition

FAMILY
Lest we forget the
poppy appeal volunteers
The poppy has become the
symbol of remembrance, a way
for us to honour the armed
forces community past and
present.
But we must also not forget the volunteers
who give their time each November to run
the poppy appeal on behalf of the Royal
British Legion.
The Rotherham, Rawmarsh and Parkgate
branch of the Royal British Legion is run by
a trio of people who are dedicated to raising
awareness of the large military community
in Rotherham, as well as remembering all
those who have served and sacrificed across
the country.
Veterans Ron Moffett MBE and Cheryl Jones,
and Ron’s wife Sally are the three poppy appeal
organisers for Rotherham who co-ordinate the
annual event in the borough.
Over the last three years, they have raised
over £100,000 from poppy sales in supermarkets
across their three areas: Rotherham East,
Rotherham West, and Wentworth.
But there is more that goes into organising
the poppy appeal than just turning up and
waiting for donations from the public.
It involves endless hours of preparation,
ordering stock for the supermarket stalls, taking
poppy packs into schools, making up poppy
boxes and delivering them small shops or bars,
marking up and logging all collection tins that
are sent out across the town, and organising the
volunteers who will be manning the stands.
After the appeal has finished, they must then
collect all tins, poppy boxes, and school packs,
count and bank the cash, log all accounts and
send everything back to the British Legion.
Wearing a poppy is a very personal choice,
reflecting individual experiences and personal
memories. It is never compulsory but is greatly
appreciated by those who it is intended
to support.
The poppy appeal helps the Rotherham,
Rawmarsh and Parkgate branch to ensure the
continuity of vital services and support for our
service personnel, veterans and their families
here in Rotherham.
Donations from each poppy go towards
providing support in many ways, from
befriending services for those who are isolated,
help with finances and housing, mental wellbeing
support to transition to civilian life, or physical
recovery programmes after injury and illness.
The Rotherham, Rawmarsh and Parkgate
branch also acts as a voice for the armed forces
community, ensuring that servicemen and
women are honoured, respected and have their
needs listened to.
In October, they organised a veterans’
seminar at Rotherham Town Hall for a second
year. Based on the theme ‘working together is
working smarter’, the seminar was attended by
many organisations who assist veterans and
their families, such as the NHS, Walking with the
Wounded, Department for Work and Pensions,
The Forces Employment Charity, and Op NOVA.
Former High Sheriff of South Yorkshire,
Lieutenant Colonel Mac McPherson MBE was
instrumental in helping organise the event, which
was kindly hosted by Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr
Robert Taylor.
Cheryl Jones said: “We heard from some
amazing speakers and it was interesting to
hear their role they play in looking after our
armed forces veterans community. By sharing
information of the role each charity plays, it gave
a better understanding to other armed forces
charities and professional services.”
Plans are already underway for next year’s
seminar and any charities linked with the
armed forces wanting to getting involved can
contact Ron Moffett MBE by email rotherham.
memsecretary@rbl.community
Whether you buy a poppy to remember a
loved one, or just to show your respect, the team
at the Rotherham, Rawmarsh and Parkgate
branch of the Royal British Legion thank you
for your donations. Look out for their stalls
this November.at your nearest supermarket,
Wentworth Garden Centre or Rotherham
Hospital foyer.
If you would like to volunteer for the poppy
appeal in the future or would like a poppy box
and collection tin at your venue please email
Rotherham.Secretary@RBL.Community
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 55