The poppy appeal kicked off in Chatteris with the aid of members of the Royal British Legion Riders Branch and RAF Wyton’s Pathfinders Motorcycle Club.
The town’s poppy appeal coordinator Lynda Behagg, supported by Chatteris branch of the Royal British Legion, launched the appeal outside The Old Bakery Tea Rooms. The tea rooms provided refreshments throughout the day along with poppy cup cakes courtesy of Tina Prior.
The event was successful and raised over twice the amount of last year’s launch.
Chatteris Royal British Legion’s youth members held the second service last Sunday to remember the life of the serviceman remembered on the town’s war memorial, 100 years to the day after they died. This service was to commemorate Private George Palmer of the 1st Grenadier Guards who died in the first battle of Ypres on October 26.
George’s niece Joyce Woodard, great nephew Ian Woodard, great niece Rachel Taylor and great great niece Michelle Richardson attended the service, bringing a personal sentiment to the occasion.
Rachel said that “one feels very proud and humbled at such sacrifice especially as it was one hundred years to the day”. Michelle, along with her colleague at Glebelands Primary, Katie Buckley, decorated Maxey Grounds and Co’s window in their Chatteris office for this year’s Remembrance display. Michelle dedicated elements of the window, which incorporates work by the school’s students, to her great great Uncle by using George’s ceremonial uniform and other memorabilia.
Upcoming similar services are due to be held for Private George Austin (1st Northumberland Fusiliers) on November 2 at 11am; Pte James HL Thomas (1st Northamptonshire Regiment) on November 5 and Fleet Surgeon Percival K NIX (HMS Bulwark, Royal Navy) on November 26. It is planned to hold services for all those WW1 service personnel listed on the Chatteris War Memorial. For further details of these services, please visit the Chatteris Royal British Legion Group on Facebook, or contact Chatteris RBL Branch Chairman, Norman Larke on 01354 694375.
Chatteris Remembrance and Armistice Day activities.
Chatteris Branch, Royal British Legion has a Remembrance concert on November 8 at 7pm at Chatteris parish church.
The concert will feature Chatteris town band, with an art exhibition and raffle also taking place. Tickets are £6 on the door.
On Remembrance Sunday, Chatteris parade will form at Furrowfields Car Park at 2:30pm, marching off to the war memorial at 2:35pm. Wreath laying will commence at 2:45pm followed by the service of remembrance at 3pm. This year Chatteris remembers the contribution that India played in both world wars and welcome members of the Indian community to this year’s events.
This year’s Armistice Day service will begin at 10:55am at the Chatteris War Memorial on November 11This will be a short service including the two minutes silence.
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