Nick Hancock launches poppy appeal
Mr Hancock was asked to support the North Staffordshire branch of The Royal British Legion at an event in Trentham yesterday.
Weather conditions prevented him from flying in a hot air balloon to release the paper poppy petals above the estate – one for each fallen soldier since the Second World War.
Instead, he stood next to a military vehicle as he addressed a crowd of dignitaries, representatives from the British Legion, war veterans and members of the public, to talk about the importance of the Poppy Appeal.
As standards were raised, he said: "It's so easy to say it's a pleasure and a privilege to be at events such as this, but on this occasion it really is a privilege to be involved.
"The Poppy Appeal is so much a part of the fabric of our lives, and so central to the British way of life.
"Although the appeal appears to be over in such a short time, it raises such a lot of money.
"The British Legion accepts money throughout the year, but it is at this time that we spare special thoughts for our servicemen and women."
Following his speech, Mr Hancock threw handfuls of the petals up into the air to the sound of a fanfare of trumpets played by the Staffordshire Royal British Legion's Corps of Drums. He then posed for pictures inside the basket of the hot air balloon – which was grounded because of the wind.
Last year, the Poppy Appeal raised £30 million nationally, with £302,000 of that generated in North Staffordshire.
Ken Compton, chairman of the North Staffordshire branch of the British Legion, said they hoped to exceed that amount this year.
He said: "With ever increasing demands on the charity we want to raise even more. It is very important to hold the Poppy Appeal.
"All the money we raise goes to help serving men and women in the Armed Forces who have been in accidents, as well as ex-service personnel. It is spent on goods they require, which they cannot afford.
"It's nice to have a celebrity like Nick Hancock to help us to launch the appeal as I think the public then take more notice."
Steve Hamilton, events manager at the Trentham estate, said he was delighted about the choice of location for the appeal.
He said: "Trentham provides such a stunning backdrop.
"We are famous for our gardens and flowers, making it an ideal time to release the 15,500 poppy petals.
"What a great way to launch such a fantastic and worthwhile appeal."
The Staffordshire Royal British Legion's Corps of Drums is looking for new members.
This band consists of percussion instruments, fifes and bugles.
The group meets every Thursday at the Staffordshire branch of the British Legion, in Eastgate Street, Stafford, between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.
It is looking for experienced people, including those who have been in a corps of drums as a serving man or woman in the Armed Forces, or ex-cadets.
Anyone aged 18 or over who is interested in joining should contact Captain David Keates on 01902 850536.
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