On Saturday 27th 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 2007 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. The Officer Commanding 30 Signal Regiment, the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth, the RBL branch president and many other civic heads and army representatives were in attendance.

The Band of 121( Nuneaton ) Squadron which was joined by Sgt. Brian Ferris a piper from the band of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, led the procession from the Town Hall steps into the crowded Market Place for the Poppy Appeal launch ceremony.

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, other ex-service organisations and cadets dipped their standards, in salute, as the bugler 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 and the piper Sgt. Brian Ferris. 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 want to repeat.

Don Jacques, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Poppy Appeal organiser said that the cadets had helped to get the 2007 Poppy Appeal off to a flying start and that the first day of the collection was going very well.

Flt Lt Paul Hincks of 121 Squadron said, “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.”

The Royal British Legion was created to preserve the spirit of fellowship and service to others formed by all ranks and to maintain, in a strong, stimulating, united comradeship, all those who have served in H.M. Forces, or Auxiliary Forces or who are still serving so that neither their efforts nor their interests shall be forgotten; and that their welfare and that of the dependants of those who died in the service of their country may be safeguarded; and that just and equitable treatment shall be secured to them in respect of the difficulties caused in their lives as a result of their service.

121 Squadron ATC is affiliated to the Nuneaton & Stockingford branch of the Royal British Legion.