Selsey Poppy Appeal officially launches as more than 170 poppies honour the fallen

Selsey Poppy Appeal has officially launched, with more than 170 poppies now displayed on lamp posts across the town in a moving tribute to those who gave their lives in service to their country.

The striking displays can be seen along the main route into Selsey, from the Wave roundabout all the way to the sea, as well as along Manor Road, Church Road, East Beach Road, East Street and School Lane.

While the bright red poppies bring a splash of colour to the town, each one carries a powerful message of remembrance. Some of the displays feature individual names, ensuring that the sacrifices made by local servicemen are not forgotten.

In a particularly poignant tribute, every person commemorated on Selsey War Memorial outside St Peter's Church has their own named poppy displayed on a lamp post, including their name and the age at which they died.

The ages of those remembered are a sobering reminder of the young lives lost, with the youngest just 16 years old.

Selsey Poppy Appeal Organiser Ashley Pledger, who supplies and puts up the poppies each year as well as organising the town's Poppy Appeal, said the response from the local community has been lovely.

"The comments from locals about the poppies is wonderful. It makes everyone think about the men that lost their lives and how young a lot of them were, the youngest ones being 16, 17, 20 and 21."

The displays have become an important part of Selsey's remembrance preparations, encouraging residents and visitors alike to pause, reflect and remember the individuals behind the names.

Poppy Appeal collections begin across Selsey

Poppy boxes are now available in most shops and pubs throughout Selsey, giving residents plenty of opportunities to donate and support the Royal British Legion and the Armed Forces community, both past and present.

Volunteers will also be collecting at Asda Selsey every day from Saturday 24 October until Saturday 7 November.

A fundraising table will be set up at the store, offering a wide range of remembrance items, including traditional poppies, key rings, pens, car poppies, metal 2026 poppy pins and much more.

Every donation helps support the Royal British Legion's vital work for serving and former members of the Armed Forces, their families and those in need.

Poppy wreaths available for Remembrance Sunday

Poppy wreaths are available for anyone wishing to pay their respects at Selsey War Memorial.

Everyone is welcome to lay a wreath at the memorial, and those wishing to purchase one are encouraged to contact Ashley directly.

The named poppies and wreaths offer residents an opportunity to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice and ensure their stories continue to be told for generations to come.

Charity fundraising day at The Victory Club

The fundraising will continue on Remembrance Sunday, 8 November, when Selsey Poppy Appeal will host a charity fundraising day at The Victory Club in Selsey.

The club will be open to everyone, and residents are warmly invited to return to the Victory Club after the Remembrance Sunday parade and wreath-laying ceremony for a day of fundraising, fun and community spirit.

The event will feature a raffle, auction and games, with everyone encouraged to get involved and help raise vital funds for the Selsey Poppy Appeal.

Organisers are appealing for donations of raffle prizes and auction items to help make the event a success.

Whether people can donate an item, volunteer their time or simply come along and enjoy the day, every contribution will make a difference.

Get involved with Selsey Poppy Appeal

With the town's streets adorned in red poppies and fundraising activities taking place throughout the coming weeks, the appeal is encouraging the whole community to come together in remembrance.

Ashley is also looking for volunteers to help with next year's Poppy Appeal, ensuring the tradition continues and that the Armed Forces community receives the support it deserves.

Anyone wishing to donate an auction or raffle prize, order a poppy wreath or volunteer for next year's appeal can get in touch by emailing [email protected].

Residents are encouraged to support the collections, attend the charity fundraising day and take a moment to look at the named poppies displayed around Selsey.

Behind every name is a life, a family and a story. This November, Selsey will once again come together to ensure they are never forgotten.

We will remember them.