Last updated at 10:32, Monday, 02 November 2009

AN RAF jet zoomed overhead as a wreath was dropped into Windermere to mark the launch of the 2009 Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Cumbria.

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Dignitaries joined service veterans on a complimentary Windermere Lake Cruises vessel yesterday to start the annual period to support those who have served in the forces and their families.

Phyll Boulton, chairwoman of the Cumbria RBL, led a short service of remembrance before Councillor Roger Bingham, chairman of Cumbria County Council, and Karan Herrington-Howell, RBL manager for Cumbria, told passengers of the continued importance of the RBL’s work.

Michael Iddon, 46, was aboard with members of the RBL’s Riders’ Branch.

Yesterday was the first time Mr Iddon had stepped on a boat since he was on duty when Sir Galahad was sunk in the Falklands in 1982.

“I’m very proud and at the same time very embarrassed by the attention,” said the ex-16th Field Ambulance Royal Navy Medical Corps member.

“Without the support of the Legion, its Riders Branch and Combat Stress, I would have cracked up a long time ago.

“I’m no hero. All we did was do a job and that’s all we were paid to do.”

Bill Pearson, 83, of Workington, served in the Second World War and, among other things, was involved in Crossing the Rhine on March 23, 1945.

“This is when you remember,” said Mr Pearson, who has been a RBL member for 50 years and has just stepped down as chairman of the Distington branch.

“When you come to these functions it’s quite nostalgic and it brings me back to the days when I was in the army and the comradeship.

“We have to remember all the good work the RBL does and I have great admiration for all those people who go out to collect for the Appeal.”

Ms Herrington-Howell told the Evening Mail: “We exist not only to help those associated with the First and Second World Wars but to reach people who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Because they are younger they can tend to think the RBL is not for them, but it truly is.”

First published at 10:40, Saturday, 24 October 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk