On Saturday 25th October the band of 121 ( Nuneaton ) Squadron Air Training Corps 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 2008 Nuneaton and Stockingford Branch of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Major Hyass, of 30 Signal Regiment, the Mayor of Nuneaton and Bedworth Cllr Gerald Smith and many other civic heads and army representatives were in attendance.

The 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 together with other ex-service organisations and Cadet Forces dipped their standards, in salute, as a bugler sounded the Last Post to start the traditional silence followed by the Reveille.

As the general public began making donations at the Poppy Appeal stall, 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.

Don Jacques, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Poppy Appeal organiser said that the cadets had helped to get the 2008 Poppy Appeal off to a flying start.

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.

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.