Crawley firm's Poppy Appeal bus unveiled

Visitors of all ages braved the cold on Saturday to attend the Poppy Appeal launch for this centenary year.
Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828666 SUS-181029-142626001Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828666 SUS-181029-142626001
Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828666 SUS-181029-142626001

The launch was held at the Wings Museum in Balcombe.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) also unveiled a Poppy Appeal branded single decker bus which was wrapped completely in poppies earlier last week.

Members of staff from Metrobus in Crawley, which provided the bus, came along on the day to show their support.

Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828653 SUS-181029-142604001Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828653 SUS-181029-142604001
Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828653 SUS-181029-142604001
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Visitors were able to explore the bus, and to make their own poppy, while thinking about the meaning behind this important symbol of remembrance. The bus will now tour West Sussex and will be available for use by the public.

Mike Alderson, RBL Sussex County president, said: “The West Sussex Poppy Appeal Launch was a great way to start saying ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation and to the many nationalities that played such a key role.

“With amazing support from Metrobus and their eye- catching Poppy decorated bus, the event had something for everyone and set the benchmark for a really successful Poppy Appeal.”

The day began with a two minute silence and prayer led by the chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, Bruce Forbes.

Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828678 SUS-181029-142637001Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828678 SUS-181029-142637001
Launch of the 2018 Poppy Appeal, and unveiling of the Poppy Appeal bus at the Wings Museum, Handcross. Pic Steve Robards SR1828678 SUS-181029-142637001
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Metrobus’ Managing Director Martin Harris said: “The poppy bus honours the memory of the millions of soldiers killed in the terrible conflict of WWI but the poppy is also a potent symbol of the sacrifices made in all past conflicts. “Above all, the remembrance poppy symbolises hope, the hope that we can create a more peaceful world in the future and the belief that this is the best way to honour those who fell. This message is as relevant today as it was in 1918. “We hope the poppy bus will help raise money for the vital work the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal does for veterans and serving men and women in our armed forces.”

For more information visit: https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/

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