The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Linda Thomas, has been formally presented with a poppy to mark the hundredth year of the Royal British Legion’s annual appeal.
It will be worn on the mayoral chain at a number of upcoming events, including the Remembrance Concert and civic services for both Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
The first poppies were sold in 1921 and the money raised each year helps the Royal British Legion support to armed forces members, veterans and their families.
The mayor’s poppy was presented by Cllr Andy Morgan, Bolton Council’s Armed Forces Champion and a veteran who served in the Army Air Corps.
The mayor said: “Each year, the Mayor of Bolton is formally presented with a poppy which is worn with pride at all commemorative events.
“This year is particularly poignant as it marks the centenary of this wonderful fund-raising appeal.
“I urge everyone to support the Royal British Legion by buying a poppy this year, and to join me at the upcoming events and civic services.”
This year’s remembrance events include:
Thursday, 11 November: Armistice Day Civic Service (10.55am, Victoria Square)
There will be a short service held on Victoria Square commencing at 10.55am and conducted by the Vicar of Bolton Rev Canon Dr Chris Bracegirdle and will include a two-minute silence and maroon fire.
Thursday, 11 November: Concert of Remembrance (7pm, The Albert Halls)
The Concert of Remembrance will take place in the Albert Halls, Bolton Town Hall at 7pm on Armistice Day, November 11.
The Lancashire Artillery (v) Military Band will be performing at the concert along with Phoenix Knights of Harmony, Taylor’s Theatre Academy, Bolton Music School, and an Emma Lori and Emma Monks duet.
Tickets are priced at £7.50 each and available from the Albert Halls website.
All proceeds from the concert go to the three Bolton Cadet Forces.
Sunday, 14 November: Remembrance Sunday (10.55am, Victoria Square)
The Remembrance Sunday Civic Service will be attended by civic dignitaries, military, veterans, cadets and youth organisations.
The service begins at 10.55am, conducted by the Vicar of Bolton and includes live gun fire to mark the start and end of the two minute silence.
There will be a wreath laying ceremony as part of the service and anyone wishing to lay a wreath is asked to register from 09.45am on the morning on Victoria Square and must bring their own wreath.
The military walk past at the War Memorial will take place immediately after the service.
Any queries, please contact the Mayor’s Office at mayorsoffice@bolton.gov.uk or call 01204 331090.