The third annual Poppy Ride, organised by the Royal British Legion, to say thank you to the First World War generation in the lead up the centenary of armistice, has gained the support of local AM, Russell George.
On 24th October, the Montgomeryshire Assembly Member took up the challenge of riding in five minute intervals with his fellow Assembly Members, veterans, and serving personnel to race against the clock on an exercise bike to mark the Remembrance period in Wales.
The ride this year was themed around The Royal British Legion’s Thank You movement, which is calling on the nation to say thank you to the First World War generation.
Mr George also attended events to mark the opening of the Royal Welch Fusiliers WW1 100th Memorial Garden at Y Plas in Machynlleth on Saturday 10th November, and Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph in Newtown on Sunday 11th November, at which he laid a wreath to mark the Remembrance period.
Mr George said:
“I would like to thank the Royal British Legion in Wales for arranging this year's Poppy Ride at the Senedd to mark the centenary of armistice. The Royal British Legion provides invaluable support to the Armed Forces community and I am pleased to have been able to support such a worthy cause.
"I was also pleased to attend the opening of the Royal Welch Fusiliers World War Memorial Garden at Y Plas in Machynlleth and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Newtown, at which I laid a wreath mark the Remembrance period and to say thank you to all of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our freedom."
Ant Metcalfe, Wales Area Manager for the Royal British Legion added:
"We are once again very grateful to Russell and everyone who supported the Poppy Ride this year. This event is becoming a tradition in the Senedd, and we are always pleased to see the competitive spirit of Assembly Members and staff members. The event aims to mark remembrance in a different way, and alongside other national events helps to mark the launch of the Poppy Appeal each year.
"We are grateful to everyone who took part and came to talk to us about the event. This event is a different way of marking the Remembrance period alongside all of the other vital local and national events the Legion is involved with at this time. It is always a real team effort and we were delighted to be able to work with the Assembly to host this once again and raise awareness of the work we do and those we support."