A PLEA for volunteers has been issued as a particularly poignant Keighley Poppy Appeal prepares to get underway.

An always-moving period takes on added significance this year, as the nation marks 100 years since the end of the First World War.

Keighley’s appeal organisers hope the community will rally round and give its support.

The need for poppy sellers and other helpers is especially pressing this year.

“Unfortunately we have lost two of our drivers and some of our sellers due to ill health,” said Keighley Royal British Legion secretary Jackie McGinnis, the deputy appeal organiser.

“We also lost the services of our appeal organiser, David Calder, who had to step down. We’re extremely grateful for the work he did.

“So we are in real need of people to come forward and help.

“Whatever time you feel able to give-up, even if it’s just a couple of hours one morning, please get in touch.

“Your assistance will enable us to get all our poppy boxes out, man static selling points in the supermarkets and sell in the town centre.

“This year of course is the centenary of the end of the First World War, so there will be various small events going on around the area.”

Keighley’s ‘poppy shop’ – which is situated in the former Officers Club premises, in the Airedale Shopping Centre – is launched at 10am on Saturday, October 27.

It will then be open Monday to Saturday, until November 10.

“As well as poppy-related items there will be many goods donated by people who care to help raise money,” said Mrs McGinnis, whose husband Jack is now the appeal organiser.

“Please pop in and see us!

“We’d like to thank the shopping centre management for the use of the unit.”

As part of this year’s commemorations, Keighley Shared Church’s tower is to be decorated with 2,000 poppies.

People have been asked to contribute, by knitting or sewing poppies.

An Old Contemptibles standard, currently in Keighley Civic Centre, will return ‘home’ to the church.

A small service will take place at the garden of remembrance, in Town Hall Square, on Thursday, November 8.

And services will be staged as usual across the Keighley district on Remembrance Sunday.

In addition to seeking volunteers, the Poppy Appeal team is asking the public to give its support by donating.

Last year, over £41,500 was raised in Keighley.

“Please give generously to support our veterans young and old – who have all laid their lives on the line so that we may continue to live in safety in this beautiful country,” said Mrs McGinnis.

A district-wide Royal British Legion appeal has been launched with a ceremonial ‘first poppy’ presentation to the Lord Mayor of Bradford, Keighley councillor Zafar Ali, at City Park.

“We are proud to once again join-up with the Royal British Legion to help carry on the work it does which continues to make a difference to a great many lives,” said Cllr Ali.

“Poppies will be available to the public from hundreds of outlets in the Bradford district and I urge everyone to give as generously as they can to help ensure the success of this year’s Poppy Appeal.”

His plea was echoed by Bradford Council’s chief executive, Kersten England.

“The Poppy Appeal is so important and ensures that we never forget the sacrifice made by so many from our own communities to give us the freedom we now enjoy,” she said.

“Wearing a poppy is our tribute to them.

“I hope people across the district will support the appeal once again and wear their poppy with pride.”

As part of this year’s commemorations, poppies are being fitted to council vehicles.

Anyone able to volunteer their time to help with the Keighley appeal is asked to contact Mrs McGinnis on 07972 727269.

Further information about the Royal British Legion and its work can be found at britishlegion.org.uk.