MAYOR URGES SUPPORT FOR 2013 POPPY APPEAL

The Mayor of Stockport is encouraging borough residents to support the 2013 Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.  The Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Chris Murphy, said:

“I’m very proud of all those who have served and those who continue to serve in the Armed Forces from Stockport. Borough residents have always been very generous in their support of the Poppy Appeal and I would like to encourage them once again to show their support by donating to this year’s appeal.”

Since 1921, the Royal British Legion’s mission has been to help those members of the serving and ex-service community who needed it. Nearly 90 years on and the Royal British Legion continues to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who are serving or who have served in the Armed Forces.

For this year’s appeal, the Royal British Legion is again focusing its support on the Afghan generation of the Armed Forces family, which includes many soldiers from Stockport.To assist with the appeal, the Royal British Legion is undertaking a ‘Poppy People’ campaign to attract new Poppy Appeal volunteers.  Anyone over 16 years of age can help and for more information ring 0800 085 5924.

 Stockport Council recently showed its support for the Armed Forces by signing the Armed Forces Community Covenant Agreement in July. The Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between the local civilian community and its local Armed Forces Community and aims to:

• encourage communities and local authorities to support the armed forces community in their area
• promote understanding and awareness of issues affecting veterans and serving personnel
• ensure that the Armed Forces are aware of the support available to them
• recognise ways in which the Armed Forces can support the wider community

The Stockport Community Covenant was jointly drafted and approved by the Council and Borough’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer and Regional Headquarters. It was signed by the Council Leader, Councillor Sue Derbyshire, the Council’s Chief Executive, Eamonn Boylan and Lt. Col Commanding Officer, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery.