Naidheachdan & Meadhanan
ACF Suffolk
10 An t-Samhain 2026
Roinn:

Ipswich cadets enjoy poppy selling tradition

Cadets from our Ipswich detachments have been busy selling poppies in the town centre ahead of Remembrance Day.

24mh October 2026 saw the Royal British Legion National Poppy Collection Appeal by our cadets in Ipswich town centre. As in past years, the local launch of the appeal began at 12 noon at the Town Hall in the very centre of the town. The Mayor and other dignitaries, flanked by Lancers from RL Ipswich detachment, gave the opening remarks before the crowd of onlookers.

Once this was finished the Lances were marched through the town whilst teams of eager cadets were located around nine different collection points. These ranged from the bus station and along the town’s main shopping street with another outside Sainsbury’s.

Business was brisk as passers-by made their contributions. Usually stopping for friendly conversation with the cadets. The ages of people that stopped to contribute ranged from very young persons to the older generation. All contributing their coins to the box and choosing their poppy or symbol of choice; be it a traditional poppy or, more likely for the younger generation, a wrist band to display their support.

As in previous years, many members of the public were just happy to contribute money to the collection box and not always to have a symbol. Others were collecting the metal badges that have the years printed on them to keep as collectables.

For the cadets, it was a great opportunity to engage and listen to the many reasons the public stop to contribute. They were also able to reflect and remember the reason poppies are collected and worn. This really made them appreciate the value of what they do as part of the Suffolk Army Cadet Force.

Many veterans stopped, and to a few the memories were clearly still fresh for them as they recounted their experiences. Many thank you’s were passed over and appreciation of the cadets to the cause was acknowledged by the cadets’ smiles and friendly chatter to the public. These experiences really increase their confidence and give them a feeling that what they do is worthwhile.

Adult volunteers stepped in to lend a hand whilst rostering of the teams for their breaks took place. Many ex cadets stopped to chat too, and the cadet family both present and ex still thrives.

Well done to those cadets that represented Suffolk ACF with such maturity. And of course a big thank you to our adult volunteers that give their time to give our cadets such a rich experience.

WO2 T Burns, Ipswich RLC Detachment Commander

Photos from the day

BRÙTH AIR ÌOMHAIGH SAM BITH GU H-ÌOSAL GUS FHAICINN NAS MOTHA

A line of five young army cadets in camouflage uniforms and black berets standing to attention on a brick-paved street, each holding a flagpole. Two cadets in camouflage uniforms offer poppies from a collection box to a woman wearing a yellow jumper. Three young people in camouflage military uniforms standing on a brick walkway, collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal with collection boxes and a bucket. Three cadets in camouflage uniforms stand outside a shopfront, two holding collection buckets for a poppy appeal. A young girl in a colourful skirt and an older woman talk with two cadets in camouflage uniforms on a brick-paved pedestrian street. Three cadets in camouflage uniforms and berets standing in front of a shop window, collecting donations for the Poppy Appeal with a branded box and bucket. Three young cadets in camouflage uniforms and berets stand on a pavement holding collection boxes for the Poppy Appeal. Two young army cadets in camouflage uniforms holding donation buckets and a collection box for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

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