THE Lydney 2017 Poppy Appeal has been launched with the opening of the Poppy Shop at Old Handyman House on Newerne Street.

The poppy and the work of the Legion are often associated with the First and Second World Wars and elderly veterans, however the charity is calling on the public to reconsider what the poppy stands for and wear it in support of the Armed Forces community, past and present.

Stanley Rudge, one of the organisers of the annual Poppy Appeal in Lydney said: “People are extremely generous; we are once again asking them to show their support and wear their Poppies with pride.

"By wearing one, you are bringing hope to members of the Armed Forces community living through hardships.”

• In Coleford there will be an Armistice Day service at the clock tower at 10.40am on Saturday, November 11. A Poppy Concert will be held later that evening at Coleford Baptist Church.

On Remembrance Sunday, November 12, the town’s parade will set off at 10.30am and march through Coleford from The Forest of Dean Police Station and head towards the town’s Baptist Church where a Remembrance Service will be held.

• In Cinderford participants in the parade will assemble at the council offices at 10.30am and set off 10 minutes later. The parade will march to the town’s Triangle for the laying of the wreaths and the two minutes silence.

After which the parade will march down to the Soldiers and Sailors Club where refreshments will be provided.

• A Citizens act of Remembrance on Armistice Day will take place at the Lydney war memorial at 10.30am on November 11.

Lydney’s Remembrance Parade on Sunday November 12 will reach the War Memorial at 10.30am to lay wreaths before moving on to St Mary’s Church for the Remembrance Day service at 10.50am.

•Bream Remembrance Day Parade will take place at the Cenotaph at 3pm.