Ron Hambelton, Poppy Day organiser for the Wymondham Branch of the British Legion in 1958, is seen preparing the many trays and tins for the annual collection that year. The picture was taken inside the Market Cross, then the central point for the collection, and comes from the photographer Philip Chapman, who hails from an old Wymondham family but now lives in Buckinghamshire.

The British Legion, which became The Royal British Legion in May 1971, was formed in May 1921 with the Wymondham Branch being established only six months later, making it one of the oldest branches in Norfolk. Since then artificial red poppies have been a symbol of Remembrance and to show support for the armed forces, as well as raising money to support ex-servicemen and their families in need.

Through the decades the Wymondham Branch has always played its part in marking Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday, as well as raising money for the Poppy Appeal. In the second photo, taken again by Philip Chapman, branch officials are posing with all the trophies and certificates of merit, which the branch had been awarded in 1954. In the middle are the prestigious Haig Cup for raising the most money for that year’s Poppy Appeal and the Eastern Area Cup for the best membership increase. It was in the days of National Service and second from left in the back row is the legendary Jimmy Patrick, who it was once said signed up young lads for the Legion as they stepped off the train at Wymondham following demob!

Wymondham folk should wear their poppies with pride!