ASHBY councillor Kenny Horn will be playing the bagpipes in Market Street on Saturday to mark the launch of the 2024 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

The day will be part of the Ashby RBL raising the profile of the appeal and trying to attract new members.

Cllr Horn, who is also North West Leicestershire District Council Chairman, has been practising the bagpipes international bagpiper Michael Gordon.

They will be playing a 'highland bagpipe ensemble' in the town centre.

Ashby RBL said: "North West Leicestershire District Council Chairman Kenny Horn and international bagpiper Michael Gordon will be marking the launch of the 2024 RBL poppy appeal with a highland bagpipe ensemble at various points in Ashby Market Street on Saturday, October 26.

Michael Gordon will be joining Kenny Horn on Saturday. Photo: Supplied

"The duet will round off the event with the lament Flowers of the Forest at the war memorial.

"Working closely with the Royal British Legion, the pair hope to raise the profile of the appeal and sell as many poppies as possible. 

"Along with a number of RBL volunteers, Kenny and Michael plan to be in Market Street between 1pm and 3pm so please come down and give them your support."

Cllr Kenny Horn

Peter Edwards, Poppy Appeal Organiser at Ashby RBL, has also urged people to come along to the town centre on Saturday and be involved in the launch.

He said: "Would you like to join our winning team of volunteers? Then I would like to invite you to join me in the 2024 local Poppy Appeal. 

"It's great fun, you will get to meet a raft of interesting local people and be a part of an internationally recognised body for which King Charles III is our Patron, with HRH Princess Ann as president of the Women's Section.

"In 2023 the group raised an incredible £35,430.44 towards the National Poppy Appeal, this being my first year leading the group which previously was organised by Paul and Pauline Stokes over many years. 

"Paul and Pauline will still be standing with me 'side by side'.

Peter Edwards, Poppy Appeal Organiser at Ashby RBL. Photo: Ashby RBL

"The Poppy Appeal is seeking volunteers to join us in three major supermarkets within our town which historically has seen several hundreds of thousands of pounds generously donated to the appeal by the local community and businesses."

Ashby RBL official Graham Allman said that Peter first became involved with the Poppy Appeal in 2015, volunteering in Swadlincote and joining the Ashby Branch in 2022, taking the role as Poppy Appeal Organiser.

Peter added: "I joined the RBL because I believe in giving back and supporting our armed forces past and present who have and still do give so much for our freedom."

The RBL makes it clear you do not have to have served in the forces to join.

Peter added: "Though I have never actually served in our armed forces I am extremal passionate to offer my service in this manner.

"In my spare time, I sing with the local Gresley Male Choir.

"Should you like to know more please feel free to call me on 07780447117 or drop me an email at [email protected]."

Anyone or organisation that would like to order a wreath - or for further information on the Poppy Appeal 2024 - please use the same contact points.

The Poppy Appeal display at The White Hart in Ashby. Photo: Ashby RBL

Peter delivered poppies and collection tins to local businesses in Ashby last Friday, including The White Hart, which is a popular venue for Armed Forces Veterans.

He met Michael Herrod, who is a member of the team at the pub and has put together a display for the remembrance of the fallen and ex-service personnel.

You are invited to leave a photo or a message in memory of a family member or loved one.