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Poppy appeal volunteer crisis

30/ 1/2008

A WAR veteran fears a lack of volunteers could spell the end of the Poppy Appeal in Ashton.

Jim Ryder is chairman of the town’s branch of the Royal British Legion, which at one time had hundreds of members but now has just a handful.

Since the poppy appeal organiser fell ill, Jim, 75, says they cannot cope with this year’s appeal without more help.

"I took over as chairman about five years ago," said Jim, who served in Germany, Africa and Egypt.

"Since then people have passed away and we are getting quite thin on the ground.

"We may not be able to cope with another Poppy Appeal without more help. This would mean no poppies for sale in Ashton and more importantly, no wreaths for the armistice parade at the war memorial this November.

"It would be devastating and would be a slap in the face for all the men of Ashton who have served, fought and died."

Jim said the volunteer shortage was a common problem up and down the country.

He added: "The impression is that the legion is just for old soldiers but it’s for younger ones too. More money now is spent on younger soldiers serving in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, for their welfare and their families."

Volunteers are needed to sell poppies in Ashton town centre and to distribute boxes to schools and businesses.

The legion is holding a recruitment drive next week and a stall will be in Ashton Arcades from Thursday to Saturday (7-9 February). Alternatively phone Mrs Davies on 330 7974.