Poppies will go on sale in trestle market for two weeks

THE annual poppy sale and collection appeal in Leek will take a new direction this year due to the coronavirus spreading across the country.

There will be no collectors on the streets, outside supermarkets or people going door to door in the town.

The town shop, which was also open during a few weeks prior to Remembrance Day in the town, is also not going to open.

However, the Leek collector, Carley Mellor, said that she had been notified last week that they can have a stall in Leek Trestle Market for two weeks.

The stall will have poppies, wreaths and pins available on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, October 28, 30 and 31. The stall will also be open on November 4, 6 and 7.

Carley, who has been involved in poppy collecting appeals for 44 years, said: “The appeal has got to take a new look this year due to the coronavirus.

“I have just received confirmation that we can operate from a stall in Leek Trestle Market for two weeks. You will be able to get poppies, wreaths and pins from our stall.

“This will at least give us something in the town in these difficult times. We have also placed poppies in several shops in the town.

“We are now seeking volunteers to man the trestle market stalls for the week in October and a week in November.

“Funds are expected to be down this year, especially in big cities where restriction are very tight.”

Anyone who is able to help on the Leek Trestle Market stall on any the days, please contact Carley on 079107 13674.