With the help of the Nuneaton based Air Cadets and other organisations, businesses and schools, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal raised over £42,000 during the street collections which took place during November 2008.

Once again the cadets from all three services were out on the streets of Nuneaton selling poppies, the Air Cadet band also made a public appearance in the town in order to help the RBL to heighten the public awareness of the collection.

On the 27th February 2009, Don Jacques, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Poppy Appeal organiser visited 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron to present the Rotary Club Poppy Appeal trophy to Air Cadets in recognition of their outstanding efforts throughout the 2008 collection during which they raised over £1200. The trophy sponsored by the Nuneaton Rotary Club is awarded annually to the cadet unit which manages to collect the most money during the Nuneaton street collections.

Don Jacques, the Nuneaton & Stockingford Poppy Appeal organiser said, “Since 1920 the money raised by the RBL Poppy Appeal had been used to relieve distress and suffering within the ex-service community. We should all remember that the fund is as active today as it as ever been and that something like £40 million was spent by the RBL in support of those in need during 2008”

Flight Lieutenant Ian Crewe Officer Commanding 121 Squadron said, “Everyone who took part in the collection 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 we all understand the real meaning of the poppy collection. The success of the 2008 collection once again reflects the tremendous generosity of the people of Nuneaton together with the efforts of all the cadets and other people who go out with the collecting tins and give out the poppies”.

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.