Romford MP Andrew Rosindell and the Mayor of Havering were at the launch to support the 2018 Poppy Appeal.

Romford Recorder: Poppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury MallPoppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury Mall (Image: The Mercury Mall)

Standard bearers from across the borough joined the Mayor of Havering and Romford MP Andrew Rosindell to launch the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal at The Mercury Mall.

On Wednesday (October 31) at 11am, they all gathered along with Pam Morrison from the Royal British Legion and the Voluntary Police Cadets of Havering.

As in previous years, poppy sellers will be located near the helpdesk area at the shopping centre until Saturday November 10, and again this year the shopping centre will be involving the community in raising more money for the appeal, and also raising awareness of the poppy appeal charity.

Natalie Bays, deputy centre manager of The Mercury Mall said: “Mercury Mall is delighted to host the official launch of the RBL poppy appeal each year and to be joined by so many key members of Romford and the surrounding area.”

Romford Recorder: Poppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury MallPoppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury Mall (Image: The Mercury Mall)

Pam Morrison said : “Last year, a staggering £61,000 was raised for the Appeal in Romford alone and we are always amazed and grateful to the shoppers who always dig deeply into their pockets.

“As always, we hope that their generosity will help the British Legion meet this year’s target.

Members of The Mercury Breakfast Club, once again, got their knitting needles out and crafted knitted poppies for the appeal to sell to raise money, and Linda Allen, also from the Breakfast Club made a beautiful knitted poppy wreath.

She said: “Hopefully our efforts will help keep the profile of the appeal in Romford.”

Romford Recorder: Poppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury MallPoppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury Mall (Image: The Mercury Mall)

Romford MP Andrew Rosindell said: “Proud to join veterans today for the launch of the Romford Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal today - remembering our fallen heroes who gave us the freedom we have today!”

To help the Royal British Legion raise these funds, they are always appreciative of the help of volunteers who give up a small amount of their time.

Anyone interested in helping should contact Pam Morrison, Poppy Appeal organiser on 01708 740629.

Romford Recorder: Poppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury MallPoppy sellers will be at The Mercury Mall until November 10. Photo: The Mercury Mall (Image: The Mercury Mall)