Whilst restrictions due to Covid-19 continue to affect us this year, the Kenilworth Poppy Appeal is still finding a way to mark Armistice Day this November.

This year the appeal is opening a 'pop-up poppy shop' at Arthurs on Station Road opposite Wilkinsons, which opened this weekend.

The shop will be open from 10am to 4pm on the Fridays and Saturdays running up to Remembrance Sunday.

The first day of business was yesterday (23 October 2020) and the appeal also has stands outside WHS in Talisman Square and the Shakespeare Hospice shop in Abbey End.

Having taken £30,000 in donations last year, but being unable to collect in high street shops as volunteers have done in previous years, the appeal has had to take a slightly different approach this year.

And with only a few weeks to plan, organisers have been quick to thank all those who have helped. Ray Sheppard, the Poppy Appeal Co-ordinator for Kenilworth said "uncertainty has been the big problem, with everything being cancelled we didn't have long to prepare, but the support has been excellent."

Alongside the three pop-up shops across the town, the appeal is also benefitting from a contactless card machine to take donations with; one of only six in the county.

However, this year will certainly not see Remembrance Sunday nor Armistice Day as we know them. This year the community is being asked to stay in their homes, to commemorate the days safely.

A small service will take place at the War Memorial in Abbey Park on Remembrance Sunday (November 8), and this will be broadcast live via Kenilworth Town Council's social media channels. Links to this will be available closer to the time.

Chairman of the Kenilworth branch of the Royal British Legion, George Illingworth, said "we will sadly be having a shortened service this year, no parade, and no involvement of the local youth organisations. We want to encourage people to commemorate in their homes and watch the service online."

Whilst you can go to the pop up shops to purchase your poppy, residents can also donate through the Just Giving page which is available by following this link.

You can also keep up to date with the appeal in Kenilworth by following them on Twitter.

The Appeal is also looking for volunteers still. Organisers have said "we're after some extra help this year with the Kenilworth Poppy Appeal, so anytime that you could give would be a great help and very much appreciated. Anyone interested in helping with the Kenilworth Poppy Appeal please visit our Poppy Appeal page online."

This can be accessed by following this link.