November’s Poppy Appeal is now under way – with those wearing the poignant red flower asked to remember not just the sacrifices of those in the past, but the brave men and women serving around the world today.

Beccles & Bungay Journal: The Field of Remembrance at All Saints’ Church in Ringsfield.The Field of Remembrance at All Saints’ Church in Ringsfield. (Image: Archant)

The important work of the Royal British Legion (RBL) and the Poppy Appeal are often associated with the First and Second World Wars and the elderly veterans who courageously risked their lives to protect our way of life.

But this year the Legion wants the British public to ‘rethink Remembrance’ and consider all generations of the Armed Forces when they wear the red poppy.

The Royal British Legion shop in Smallgate, Beccles, is one of the many places you can buy a poppy and make a donation to the cause.

Beccles branch chairman Dave Devereux said: “We would like to thank everyone for their efforts last year which raised the staggering figure of £45,000 from Beccles and the surrounding area.

“We don’t just collect for the welfare of the elderly servicemen of the two world wars, it’s also for those who fought in the Falklands, Iraq and of course Afghanistan. Although we know the number of people killed, people don’t know the extent of those who returned with injuries and still need our help.”

Volunteers at the shop have organised a window display to coincide with the two-week appeal, and a military vehicle and poppy stall will be in Beccles town centre this Saturday and next.

There are also poppy stalls running at Morrisons, Tesco and Roys in Beccles, with the Bungay Legion branch running a stall at the Co-operative Food store in Bungay.

The national two-minute silence will be observed at 11am on Friday, November 11, with Remembrance Day services taking place on Sunday, November 13.

Over at Ringsfield, a Field of Remembrance has been opened in the churchyard of All Saints’ Church.

It will remain in situ until after Remembrance Sunday, and provides a place for anyone to visit and plant a Remembrance Cross to honour the memory of a family member, friend or colleague who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.