On Saturday 26th October the band of 121(Nuneaton) Squadron ATC joined representatives of the Royal British Legion and other ex-service organisations in the Nuneaton Market Place for a ceremony to mark the launch of the 2002 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Lt Col Pope Officer Commanding 30 Signal Regiment Bramcote, the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Cllr Ashford and Ted Sears the RBL branch president and many other civic heads and army representatives were in attendance.

This dignified and emotive ceremony brought the Nuneaton town centre to a virtual standstill as people gathered to remember those who have died in conflict. During the ceremony the standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and other ex-service organisations dipped their standards, in salute, as Warrant Officer Steve Anderson of 121 Squadron played the Last Post and Reveille.

Following the ceremony cadets from 121 Squadron joined other Poppy Appeal collectors as the general public began making donations.

Shoppers and passers by were entertained by the 121 Squadron band who were joined by Sgt. Brian Ferris a piper from the band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. The band played a variety of wartime favourites and other popular tunes. The band's drummers relished the opportunity to accompany a piper. It was a completely new experience for them and one they couldn't wait to repeat.

Don Jacques, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Poppy Appeal organiser estimated that by the end of the day over £1000 would have been collected which was a magnificent start to the 2002 appeal.

Following the success of this event, the band and collectors of 121 Squadron once again accompanied by the piper, Sgt. Brian Ferris, returned to the Nuneaton town centre Market Place on Saturday 9th November in order to give the Poppy Appeal a further boost.

Flt Lt Crewe Officer Commanding 121 Squadron said that everyone who took part should be congratulated on their performance and that the cadets welcomed the opportunity to help the RBL with the Poppy Appeal. It is important that the younger generation understand the real meaning of the poppy collection and why remembrance day is so significant. Having the band perform in the town centre enabled our cadets to help the RBL to heighten the public awareness of the collection as well as being good publicity for the Squadron. The Poppy Appeal is a good way for the Squadron to help the Royal British Legion, to safeguard the welfare, interests and memory of those who have served in the Armed Forces.