Distributing White Poppies - Leigh-on-Sea

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Leigh On Sea News: Distributing White Poppies – DISTRIBUTING White Poppies in the week before Remembrance Sunday is a major outreach activity of the Leigh Quakers.

Distributing White Poppies - DISTRIBUTING White Poppies in the week before Remembrance Sunday is a major outreach activity of the Leigh Quakers.

DISTRIBUTING White Poppies in the week before Remembrance Sunday is a major outreach activity of the Leigh Quakers.

It is a way of entering into a conversation with people about making peace and getting Quakers and their faith better known. In 2024 they will be distributing as follows: Thursday 7th November 11am – 1pm – University Square/The Forum Southend. Meet by the Library doors.

Friday 8th November 12-2pm – Victoria Circus or under the railway bridge if wet. From 11.30am outside WH Smith or under the bridge if wet.

Saturday 9th November 11-1pm – Leigh Library Gardens by the children’s playground.

A spokesperson for the Leigh Quakers explained: “We do not sell poppies to the public or take any money for them.

“We do not have a street collection licence, and the Meeting bears the cost of this ministry. This can make for an interesting conversation telling people that along with Truth, Equality and Simplicity, Peace is one of our testimonies or principles of faith that we endeavour to live by. Peace starts with the way each one of us engages with other people in our ordinary and extraordinary lives.

“You can wear a white poppy with a red one. The red poppy raises funds for the Royal British Legion remembering and supporting past and current members of the UK armed forces killed or injured in their service. The white poppy is worn in remembrance of all victims of war.

“White poppies are worn every year by thousands of people across the UK and beyond. They were first produced in 1933 in the aftermath of the First World War, by members of the Co-operative Women’s Guild. Many of these women had lost family and friends in the First World War. They wanted to hold on to the key message of Remembrance Day, ‘never again’. White poppies stand for three things.

“Remembrance of all victims of war, including both civilians and members of the armed forces. We remember people of all nationalities. We remember those killed in wars happening now, as well as in the past. We also remember those who are often excluded from the mainstream, such as children, refugees and victims of colonial conflicts.

“Challenging war and militarism, as well as any attempt to glorify or celebrate war. White poppies encourage us to question the way war is normalised and justified. They remind us of the need to resist war and its causes today.

“A commitment to peace and to seeking nonviolent solutions to conflict. By drawing attention to the devastating human cost of war, white poppies highlight the urgency of our ongoing struggle for peace.

“Our Poppies are produced by Calverts, a UK based workers’ cooperative. They are recyclable and plastic free.”

Leigh on Sea Quaker Meeting House. 18 Dundonald Drive, Leigh for Worship every Sunday 10.30am.

Contact re White Poppy Distribution. Debbie Taylor. [email protected].

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