Two of the busiest Metro stations have been decorated with a stunning display of poppies ahead of this weekend’s Remembrance Services.
The displays, which feature large vinyl poppies mounted on to vitreous enamel panels, have been installed at Monument Metro station in Newcastle and at the Park Lane Interchange in Sunderland.
The displays have been installed ahead of Remembrance Sunday, on 9 November, and the Armistice Day commemorations on Tuesday 11 November. Metro staff have also joined ranks with Royal British Legion veterans and volunteers for two Poppy Appeal collections in Sunderland and Newcastle ahead of the weekend’s acts of remembrance.
Staff from DB Regio, which operates the Metro on behalf of Nexus, joined collectors to fundraise for the appeal at Park Lane Interchange and Monument Metro Station. Soldiers and volunteer veterans from the Northumbria branch of the Royal British Legion will be out in force at both stations over the weekend to talk to passengers about the appeal and hand out commemorative poppies.
Sharon Kelly, Director of Customer Services and Operations at DB Regio Tyne and Wear, said: “DB Regio are extremely pleased to work with the Royal British Legion who are dedicated and passionate about their charity work, and Metro’s Poppy Appeal would not be the same without their help. The generosity of passengers has been extraordinary so far.
“I’d like to thank our passengers for their kind donations for this fantastic cause. We hope to increase our relationship over the next few years with the Royal British Legion.
Rachel Hardwick, Community Fundraiser (Northumbria), Poppy Appeal organiser, said the collections at both Metro stations had been a huge success.
She said: “This year the Royal British Legion is aiming to raise £40 million during the appeal, to support the British Armed Forces past and present, and their families. The appeal runs until Armistice Day on Tuesday, November 11, so we would like as many people as possible to support those who serve our country and honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Deputy Director General of Nexus, Tobyn Hughes, said: “These displays are a lovely tribute to all those who have lost their lives in the service of their country. It is even more poignant this year as we mark 100 years since the outbreak for the First World War.
“Every year we welcome the Royal British Legion on to our Metro stations as they collect for the Poppy Appeal. It’s such a worthy cause.”