A NORTH Shropshire community is welcoming a new face in a significant role.

Caroline Ford has stepped into the position of Poppy Appeal organiser for the Ellesmere area.

A dedicated community volunteer, she takes the reins from Lynn Howard, who gracefully concluded seven years of service at the helm of fundraising for the local branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).

She is a former teaching assistant and lingerie designer, and has been an Ellesmere resident for eight years, having relocated with her husband, Mike, after residing in Warwickshire and various parts of Shropshire.

She said: “I don’t have a military background, but my father served in the RAF during the Second World War and I’ve always been proud to uphold the traditions and values of the Royal British Legion.

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“My predecessor, Lynn, has had remarkable success as Poppy Appeal organiser and I want to build on that by continuing to raise awareness of what the Royal British Legion does in providing practical and financial support for armed forces servicemen and women, their families and veterans.

“The people of Ellesmere and district have always been incredibly extremely generous in raising money for the poppy appeal and hopefully I can encourage even more support from local businesses, schools youth groups, and the wider community to enable the legion to do its vital work."

Caroline's extensive commitment to community betterment is evident through her active involvement with diverse organisations, including the Fizzgigs arts group, the Ellesmere Foodshare scheme, Cellar Church, and the More than a Sundae ice cream parlour located in the town centre.

With an impressive background of 32 years as a Brownies' group leader and an ongoing engagement with the Girl Guide movement, Caroline brings a wealth of experience to her new role.

Bob McBride, the chairman of the RBL branch, extended his gratitude to Caroline and warmly welcomed her to her new role.

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Acknowledging the demanding nature of the position, Bob conveyed the full support of the branch members and the broader community in Ellesmere.

He said: “She has the full support of our branch members and, knowing the people of Ellesmere, I’m sure that she will also have the full backing and goodwill of the whole community.

“We’re already preparing for the launch of our next appeal and we would love to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer with fundraising at any time, and especially during the two weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday on November 12.”

Monthly legion branch meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm at the Ellesmere Comrades Club, providing a platform for community engagement and collective efforts in honouring the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel.