All Aboard the Poppy Bus
Veterans, servicemen and dignitaries are invited to jump aboard the Poppy Bus for a tour of Cumbria as the 2016 Poppy Appeal is launched on Thursday October 27.
Last year saw another memorable and poignant Cumbria Poppy Appeal Launch at the Lanes Shopping Centre and this year is set to be no different.
This year’s county launch will begin at the Museum of Military Life and will be a little bit different to previous events; Cumbria Classic Coaches will be lending out two double decker buses which will be decorated with paper poppies before embarking on tours of the county as part of the official Cumbria Poppy Appeal Launch.
Alan Whitmore, Community Fundraiser for Cumbria and the Isle of Man Royal British Legion, said: “We have kindly been lent two buses from Cumbria Classic Cars. There will be two routes; one will go south to Barrow, and the other will set off from Carlisle, passing through Wigton, Workington, Cleator Moor, and Keswick before both buses meet at Penrith.”
Prior to each buses departure, there will be introductions and speeches before the very first poppy is pinned to each bus.
Members of the public are invited to join organisers, veterans, service men and local dignitaries at the starting point to pin as many poppies as possible to each vehicle.
Alan said: “We have invited a lot of dignitaries, including mayors. The event is an announcement to say that the Poppy Appeal is open and to remember those who have fallen.”
The buses chosen for the job are a 1955 AEC Regent 3 double decker and a 1959 Bristol Lodekka.
Will Hamer, partner at Cumbria Classic Coaches, said: “We are very much looking forward to the day; we look forward to every job we do. It’s for a very important cause and I think Alan was looking for a unique way to launch this year’s appeal and this is a very unique way of doing it.”
Each year, the city goes to great lengths to put on an event worth remembering. The 2015 appeal featured entertainment from the youngsters at StagedRight Youth Theatre Company who wowed the audience with a collection of classic wartime songs such as Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again, alongside other dramatic performances.
From Saturday October 29 until November 12 a poppy shop will be erected in The Lanes Carlisle selling items which normally can only be bought online.
If you would like to organise a fund raising event for the Cumbria Poppy Appeal and need help with banners, materials or collection tins, please contact Margaret or Colin on 01228-537304.
Dates for your Diary
Laying of the Crosses – Carlisle Cemetery – Thursday November 10 – 10:45am
Armistice Day Service – City Memorial, Green Market – Friday November 11 – 10.45am
Remembrance Sunday – City Centre Parade – Sunday November 13 – 10:30am onwards.
County Remembrance Event – Rickerby Park War Memorial – 2 – 2.30pm
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