The Flanders Poppy
Pride of place in the Club goes to a Flanders Poppy in a glass case. This poppy is one of six originally manufactured in 1923 and we believe is the only example to have survived.
Since 1923 the poppy has been auctioned every year on November 11th and the proceeds are given to the Royal British Legion. The first auction raised £2 12s 6d, and in the last four years proceeds of over £1,000 have been raised at each auction. The auction night is a great tradition and a major date on the Club calendar every year, and is very well supported by the Members.
Poppy Night 2024
The service took place on Friday, November 8th, and in attendance were senior officials from the local Royal British Legion, including the Poppy Appeal Organiser, Chairman Michael Dale. The atmosphere in the room was testament to what makes Whitley Bay Comrades Club special, with the room packed with 75 members and guests. Club Chairman Dan Ellis B.E.M. hosted the service on behalf of the Club.
Captain Gerry Christie (retired) of the Northumberland A.C.F. Casino Band Buglers sounded the Last Post and then the Reveille. Retired Reverend Dr Michael Armstrong presided. The traditional auction of the Club’s Flanders Poppy was carried out by Club Official Alan Cooke.
Bidding was competitive between two bidders. The winning bid was £2,200, made by a member of the club, Joe Mulgrove, who along with his family bought the poppy for their father Joe, who sadly passed away last year. We thank the Mulgrove family for their generosity, as they rounded the winning bid up to £2,500, a new poppy auction record. In addition, a further £500 was collected from the floor, so a total of £3,000 was raised for the British Legion.
This was again a tremendous effort by the Club Members and Friends. Thank you for your generosity.