MEMBERS of Ross Royal British Legion launched the Poppy Appeal on Saturday, October 28th, as planned, despite the damage that was done to several of the large poppies which made up the display around the town centre.

Local shopkeepers and members of the public were horrified when they saw that the poppies placed around the town centre in preparation for the annual time of Remembrance had been defaced.

A man was seen writing slogans on the poppies by members of the public who called the police at around 4.30pm on Thursday, October 26th.

A police spokeperson for West Mercia Police told the Ross Gazette: “A man in his 20s has been spoken to and is currently assisting officers with their enquiries."

Members of the Ross branch of the Royal British Legion have told the Ross Gazette that the damage to the poppies they had placed around the town, in preparation for the launch of this year’s Poppy Appeal, would not stop them going ahead with the launch by the Garden of Remembrance in Broad Street.

Ross RBL member, James Weatherhead, spent a lot of time placing large poppies in prominent positions in the town centre earlier this week. The 14 damaged poppies have been photographed and handed to the police as evidence. (One of the poppies is pictured left).

James then replaced as many poppies as he was able to locate in a short space of time.

Branch Chairman, Graham Aplin, told the Ross Gazette: “Ross-on-Wye has always been so supportive of the RBL and Acts of Remembrance, this is so sad, they have defiled a national symbol of remembrance.”

However he was delighted to report that there had been a very good turnout for the Appeal launch on Saturday. He said:?“Lots of people came to speak to us and it definitely seems as though more people than ever want to pay their respects.”

Reverend Colin Leggate blessed the Remembrance Garden on Saturday. Then the first crosses were laid by the Mayor of Ross-on-Wye, Councillor Nigel Gibbs and by the President of the Branch, Air Cdre Vivian Warrington. They were joined by the Standard Bearer, Mr Richard Ceci, and Councillor Phil Cutter, who represented Herefordshire Council.

The Chairman, Mr Graham Aplin presented a cheque for £1,500 to Mrs Sue Lampert the Poppy Appeal Organiser.

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