Llanelli’s Poppy Appeal is under way, and anyone who wants to lay a wreath on Remembrance Sunday has until Friday to put their name down.
The Royal British Legion launched this year’s appeal on Saturday morning by opening a new community hub in Market Precinct.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, former BBC Wales newsreader Sara Edwards, cut the ribbon in front of a large crowd, with Army, Sea and Air Force cadets among those there.
Friday 30 October deadline to lay a wreath at Llanelli Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday
The town’s Remembrance Sunday service takes place at the Cenotaph, in the grounds of Llanelli Town Hall, on Sunday 8 November.
Organisations and individuals who want to lay a wreath, and be included in the parade, must email Llanelli Town Council at enquiries@llanellitowncouncil.gov.uk no later than Friday 30 October.
Wreaths can be bought and collected from the new hub, at 8-10 Market Precinct in St Elli Shopping Centre.
Last October, campaigners said frail and disabled veterans were left unable to reach the Cenotaph, which could only be reached by steps.
Carmarthenshire Council said it would investigate permanent level access, as there was not enough room around the memorial for a temporary ramp.
Cadets and Côr Curiad at the launch of the Royal British Legion hub in St Elli
Branch secretary Catherine Davies said it was “wonderful to see so many young people in attendance”.
She called the cadets’ presence “a fitting reminder of the importance of remembering those who have served, while recognising the younger generations who continue to demonstrate commitment, service and community spirit”.
Llanelli choir Côr Curiad sang at the launch, delivering what Ms Davies called “a wonderful performance that added warmth and atmosphere to the occasion”.
Members of Llanelli Veterans Association joined the branch at the hub. Ms Davies said the day showed “what can be achieved when local organisations and the wider community come together behind a shared purpose”.
Festival of Remembrance at Ffwrnes Theatre on Saturday 14 November
Tickets are on sale for Llanelli’s Festival of Remembrance at Ffwrnes Theatre, on Saturday 14 November at 7pm.
They cost £15, or half price for Royal British Legion members, from the theatre box office. All the money raised goes to the Poppy Appeal.
Ms Davies said the night would bring together local performers and “moments of reflection and remembrance”, to “remember the local heroes who sadly lost their lives and paid the ultimate sacrifice”.
What Llanelli’s Poppy Appeal money pays for
The Legion says the appeal pays for its support for serving and former members of the armed forces, veterans and their families.
Across the Loughor, Swansea’s appeal was launched at Swansea Market earlier this month.
In Llanelli, the branch says it hopes the town will “continue to stand together, honour the fallen and support those who have served, and those who continue to serve, our country”.
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