A Rye News reader contacted us to ask why the traditional wooden crosses with poppies on them were not going to be available to buy this year, as part of the Royal British Legion’s (RBL) annual poppy appeal.
The usual wooden crosses have a pointed end, and many people choose to write a name on them and put them in the ground (often at a war memorial) to remember a loved one who died in the service of our country. Apparently this year, “sticks” had been sent out in place of the crosses in some places.
The RBL offers a wide range of poppy devices. As well as the cross, it also produces a Muslim crescent, a Star of David and a Sikh Khanda. The “stick”, is referred to as a “poppy tribute” and is described by RBL as “secular wooden, with poppy attached and pointed end suitable for placing in the ground”. So it is a non-religious option.
We asked Elizabeth Kimber, who organises the poppy collections in Rye, to shed light on the matter. She explained that, although this year Rye has indeed been sent sticks as well as crosses, they still have plenty of crosses to go around – and 150 crosses have been reserved, and will be used by young people to lay at the war memorial after the Remembrance service Sunday week November 8.
Crosses will also be available to buy at the street collections, thanks to 20 volunteers, young and old. Elizabeth singled out the Rye Sea Cadets for praise as they have done a fantastic job for many years. She said: “Last year Rye collected around £10k. My team of volunteers are hoping to do as well this year. As I was a Service wife for 35 years, I enjoy giving something back”.
The collecting team will be out in force at the weekend. Also many local businesses have boxes where you can pick up a poppy and make your donation. And Boots in the High Street, for example, have some sticks as well as the traditional poppies.
Photo: Dan Lake and RBL