ALTHOUGH it is now 80 years since Armistice brought to an end the enormous human tragedy of the First World War, the needs of many British ex-Service men and women and their dependants have not abated.

Calls for help from The Royal British Legion exceeded 300,000 last year -- more than ever before -- and financial assistance was given towards convalescence, accommodation in care homes, holidays for severely disabled people, pension advice, visits to housebound people, and those with long term sickness.

The Poppy Appeal provides as much practical help as possible to all in need. In 1997 almost £3Om was used to fund the many schemes from which the Service and ex-Service community benefit. Buying a poppy will ensure that support is given to those who, since 1918 throughout many conflicts, have given so much for our security and freedom.

May I invite all residents in and around the Borough to join me for the Remembrance Sunday Service and March Past, which begins at 10.50am on Sunday, November 8, on the Town Hall Square, Bolton. Representatives of charity, voluntary and community groups should make their way to the Festival Hall on the first floor of the Town Hall at 10.40am.

Cllr Peter Finch

Mayor of Bolton

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.