Firefighters join Midlands Poppy Appeal launch at HMS Sherwood

Firefighters from Highfields White Watch joined dignitaries and military personnel at HMS Sherwood for the official launch of the Poppy Appeal in the Northeast & Northwest Midlands.

The event, which took place on Thursday 26 October, marked the official launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Highfields firefighters joined the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire Dame Elizabeth Fradd, the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire Professor Veronica Pickering, and military representatives from across the Midlands.

A display of nearly 20,000 poppies was specially created for the event, the number signifying each person from Nottinghamshire who had died in active service since 1914.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is proud to be a Gold Award Defence Employer, supporting the Armed Forces all year round. The Service offers one of the most generous offers for Reservists in the East Midlands with 21 days of fully paid leave, plus further uncapped unpaid leave, for Reservists and adult cadet volunteers.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Damien West, said: “The Poppy Appeal is a key moment in our national calendar of remembrance and an opportunity to show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, veterans and their families, both past and present.

“We were proud to support this event and to support our Armed Forces community all year round.”