My Remembrance Diary

Every November, as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, I find myself standing by a table covered in poppies. Some are paper, some are enamel, and others hand-knitted or crocheted by kind souls who want to give something back (one of our ladies is 93 years old!). Each one represents remembrance — a simple flower carrying the weight of history, sacrifice, and gratitude.

As a volunteer for over 20 years now for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal, I’ve come to realise that what we do is about far more than collecting donations. It’s about stories. It’s about connection. It’s about ensuring that those who gave everything are never forgotten.

The last 2 weeks have been full of moments that remind me why I do this every year (despite every year saying not again!).

The People Who Stop

It’s funny how many stories a single poppy stand can hold.  From the 81-year-old who gave us £81 – having done £80 last year and saying “a £1 a year for my life is worth nothing compared to losing a life”

The young guys who left their pocket money.  The man who every year comes for a cross the first Saturday…..  we remember each other and the unspoken silent words bring a lump to my throat.
A young mum came by later with her little boy, maybe six or seven. He asked what the purple poppy was for, and I explained this is for the animals killed in conflict.

Moments like that really stay with you.

The poppy is a symbol of remembrance and hope. It reminds us not only of those who died, but also of those who continue to serve, and of the families who carry their legacy. It’s incredible how something so small can hold such deep meaning.

It’s easy to underestimate the small kindnesses people show during the Appeal.

The volunteers

I must be the luckiest person as each year our rota fills so quickly with people desperate to help again – without these special people we could not raise the vital monies we do.  Thank you, from the bottom of my heart – you are very special people doing special things.   

Remembrance Day – Lest We Forget

As another Remembrance Day passes, I’m reminded that remembrance isn’t about glorifying war. It’s about acknowledging sacrifice and committing ourselves to peace. It’s about ensuring the next generation understands why these moments matter.

It’s a non-negotiable for me.   At 11m, silence.  Just two minutes, but it felt like time stood still.

As the last post plays, I think of all the faces I’d seen these last 2 weeks — the veterans, the children, the strangers who paused to remember. It’s humbling, really. You realise that remembrance isn’t about the past alone — it’s about how we carry those memories forward, together.

When the silence ends, people quietly wipe their eyes, for their own personal reasons. For a moment, we were all connected by something bigger than ourselves.

We will remember them.

Why I’ll Keep Volunteering

It’s not always easy — juggling self-employment, long days, cancelled volunteers, cold spots and sore feet!

But every time someone stops to share their story or say a simple “thank you,” it makes it all worthwhile.

Wearing the poppy reminds me of gratitude. Of courage. Of the power of community.

And next November, I’ll be there again — poppies in hand, heart full, remembering.

Lest we forget.