Remembrance Festival off, poppy sales rocket

A band double booking has forced the cancellation of the Llandrinio Remembrance Festival for the first time but the local British Legion has vowed to return next year.

The news comes as officials report one of the busiest ever poppy collections proclaiming that the “appeal now is as relevant as it was in 1945”.

The Llandrinio British Legion, which also covers Four Crosses, Llanymynech and Arddleen, was forced to make the decision to cancel the popular Saturday night Festival after crossed wires in communication meant that they were left without a brass band.

Despite frantic efforts to find a replacement, the decision was taken and members have been invited to attend Welshpool’s event taking place at the Town Hall tonight (Friday) instead.

“It is disappointing but there was little we could do without the band,” said Vice Chairman Terry Ingram. “The event is very popular and usually raises over £500 for the appeal but we hope the increase in demand for poppies we are having will make up the shortfall. I have never known it to be so popular.”

Mr. Ingram explained that some poppy outlets had requested new collection tins because the current ones were full and while the money will not be counted until after Sunday, he believes the branch will enjoy a record figure.

“The television is bringing the wars a lot closer to home and unfortunately these days most people, even locally, know of someone that has been either killed or injured,” he said. “People are seeing the lads coming home who need our help which is making the poppy appeal as relevant now as it was in 1945.”

The Legion held its annual minute’s silence yesterday to mark the 11^th and on Sunday will continue with its annual series of somber events starting with a roll call of the fallen in Four Crosses at 10.30am, followed by a similar reading in Llandrinio at 11am. The afternoon service of remembrance will take place in Llanymynech Church at 2.30pm.

As for next year’s event, Mr. Ingram confirmed: “The band is already booked!”

Welshpool’s Festival of Remembrance will be held tonight (Friday) in the Town Hall with a special theme marking 70 years since the Battle of Britain. Starting at 7.30pm, tickets are priced £6.

The evening will start with a parade of Standards, accompanied by music from the Porth-y-Waen Youth and Training Silver Band. There will be entertainment from the Councillors Concert Party with their version of a scene from “It Ain’t Half Hot Mum” and special guest Stan Stennett MBE will share anecdotes and host a sing-a-long of popular songs of the 1940s.

The service of remembrance follows on with refreshments served at the end of the evening, which is being organized jointly by Welshpool Town Council and the Royal British Legion.