Commemorating 100 years of The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeals, Bedford’s Poppy Shop opened today in Harpur Street.

The Poppy Shop Grand Opening was attended by Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson, who spoke to formerly open the Appeal. Dave is pictured beside Michelle French, Poppy Appeal Organiser for Bedford & Kempston, and Eric Robinson, RBL County President, who gave the Exhortation.

A two-minute Silence was then observed, followed by the Kohima Epitaph, performed by Paul Sawford.

Bobby Crick, Ceremonial Bugle Player, was accompanied by three Standard bearers.

Youth members of the Air Cadets also attended the opening, and will be out collecting donations in Bedford Town Centre at the weekend.

Hospital Radio Bedford’s Outside broadcasting team covered the event; their broadcast was presented by Ian Griffiths and Steve Spring, and featured interviews with veterans and Poppy Appeal volunteers.

Heidi Quinn and Jeremy Endersby took official photography.

Further to the traditional lapel poppy, The Poppy Shop is also offering a selection of stationery, knitted items and wrist wear, with suggested donations.

Upstairs, there are displays of memorabilia to view, and a selection of military artwork is also sale, with 50% of proceeds going to charities who support veterans.

Visitors to the The Poppy Shop with children can also help themselves to colouring activities and stickers.

Raffle tickets are also available to purchase; prize winners will be drawn on Saturday 13th November at 3:30pm.

You can find the Poppy Shop in the unit which was formerly Clarks Shoe Shop, next to Poundland, opposite the entrance to the Old Arcade.