Mayor Ginny remembers the fallen heroes

Oldham’s resolute Mayor Councillor Ginny Alexander has donated £500 to each of the six local Royal British Legion branches to help them support all their members of the British Armed Forces - past and present - and their families.

They are the RBL Lees and District branch, the Saddleworth branch, Shaw and Crompton, the Royton Legionnaires, Trevor Warren from Oldham and Chadderton's Leslie Berry.

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Armed Forces charity and one of its largest membership organisations.

Members get together through the network of branches and clubs all over the country and overseas to participate in social, fundraising and welfare activities.

They provide financial, social and emotional care and support to all members of the British Armed Forces - past and present - and their families.

The Legion is also the national Custodian of Remembrance and safeguards the Military Covenant between the nation and its Armed Forces and is best known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy.

Founded in 1921, the Legion is not just about those who fought in the World Wars of the last century, but also about those involved in the many conflicts since 1945 and those still fighting for the freedom we enjoy today.

How can you help?

MEMBERSHIP

Membership is open to everyone.

If you have an interest in the objectives of the Legion and want to help and support for those who have served and their families, join up.

They welcome men and women of all ages, whether they have served in the Armed Forces or not.

Legion membership ensures:

• Remembrance is kept alive and that the sacrifices our brave Service men and women have made are never forgotten.

• The ex-Service community have a voice and that their concerns are brought to the public eye.

Becoming a member also provides the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities and events held locally, regionally and nationally throughout the year.

DONATE

Despite the lockdown, you can still pick up a poppy from some of their corporate partners who can remain open such as Sainsbury's and Tesco and other essential shops that are still open such as the Post Office.

Unable to get out?

Instead make an online donation and download a poppy to display in your window to show your support for our Armed Forces.

This is the first time in the Poppy Appeal's history that all face to face fundraising has been cancelled and they need your help more than ever.

Remember #everypoppycounts

To donate, log on to: www.rbl.org.uk/donate

Visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk for details of national initiatives.

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.