Flowers for the Few (From Echo)

Flowers for the Few

9:00am Wednesday 25th August 2010 in

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CANVEY Royal British Legion is launching its poppy appeal early this year, to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

The Legion’s branch on the island is planning a parade through the town centre next month, in memory of those who gave their lives while the Second World War battle raged during the summer of 1940.

To mark the anniversary, branch chairman Colin Smith has built a 6ft 6ins-wingspan model Spitfire which is now proudly standing in the garden of the Royal British Legion club in Denham Road.

The branch is hoping to completely cover it in poppies by the time of the march, on September 11.

Club secretary Sandra Hynes said: “We have a collection tin on the bar and people can purchase a poppy and stick it on to the Spitfire.

“Because it is the 70th anniversary, the branch wanted to do something special.”

The Battle of Britain was the first major campaign to be fought entirely between airforces.

Vice-chairman Tony Bensusan, said: “In the Battle of Britain, 3,000 RAF planes went down, 4,000 RAF personnel were lost and about 30,000 civilians were killed.

“We wanted to do something to remember and mark the occasion.”

The replica Spitfire was built from scratch, using blocks of polystyrene, which were then carved into shape and supported by bamboo poles.

Visitors are invited to call in at the club and buy poppies to pin on to the plane. They are also being invited to join the parade next month.

The Royal British Legion will also hold its usual Remembrance Day Service in November.