City veterans helped launch this year’s Poppy Appeal at the Brangwyn Hall on Thursday, October 19.
And the venue has also been chosen to host the return of the Royal British Legion-organised Swansea Festival of Remembrance, taking place this year on Saturday, November 11. It is not a ticketed occasion so people can come along to the free event on the day.
Present at the appeal’s launch event were Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Graham Thomas, along with Leader of the Council, Rob Stewart, Deputy Leaders Cllr David Hopkins and Andrea Lewis, the Council’s Armed Forces Champion Wendy Lewis and a number of other local dignitaries and representatives from the Royal British Legion.
Also planned for this year is a Silence in the Square event in Castle Square on November 11 and a Service of Remembrance at St Mary’s Church on November 12. This will be in addition to many community events being staged by veterans, their families and supporters in communities across Swansea.
Cllr Thomas said: “So many local people have made the ultimate sacrifice over the years, giving their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom that many of us sometimes take for granted. I would encourage everyone to give what they can to the appeal and wear their poppy with pride.
“It’s also great to hear that the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance is back for the first time since the end of the pandemic. It is a wonderful, colourful and poignant event to honour those who have fallen in service of their country as well as veterans who will be there on the night.”
Rob Stewart, Leader of the Council, said: “The countdown to Remembrance Sunday is an opportunity for us all to pause and consider the commitment those in the armed forces have made to us, and to show our commitment to them by joining in commemorations.”
Cllr Wendy Lewis said: “Communities in Swansea have a proud heritage of service in the armed forces. Our support for past and current members of the armed forces is unstinting and year-round. But the poppy appeal gives us all the chance to say thank you to the Royal British Legion and to all those who have served and continue to serve.”
Poppies will be on sale at a number of council venues around the city, including some libraries, the Guildhall and the Civic Centre.
Phillip Flower, Chairman of the Royal British Legion in Swansea, said: “Remembrance events have always been a very personal experience for veterans, our friends, families and supporters. This year I am very pleased to say that the RBL Festival of Remembrance will be returning to the Brangwyn Hall.
“Although it is organised by the Royal British Legion, we have always encouraged community participation and we are keen to see as many people attending the event as we can. You don’t have to apply for tickets, it’s a free occasion and you are welcome to turn up for the event on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.”
