As another remembrance period draws to a close, it’s hard not to feel a real sense of pride in what our community has achieved together.
Each November, we see the very best of Pudsey, Farsley and Calverley – people giving their time, their energy, and their heart to ensure remembrance lives on.
And yet, there’s always a tinge of sadness when it ends. The poppies are packed away, the wreaths start to weather, and the familiar rhythm of collections, services and parades gives way to quieter days. For a few short weeks, our towns come together with such purpose and unity – and it’s a reminder of what can be achieved when we all pull in the same direction.
Remembrance may officially last for a fortnight, but the spirit behind it endures all year round in the dedication of our volunteers, supporters and community.
Delivering the Poppy Appeal
The Poppy Appeal is always where it begins.
Before a single collection tin appears on a counter, volunteers are already on the move – topping up their fuel, loading cars, knocking on doors, and making sure boxes and tins reach every corner of our community.
This year, that effort stretched right across Pudsey, Farsley, and even into Calverley, as our team delivered hundreds of poppies and collection boxes to local shops, cafés, schools and businesses.
It’s a huge undertaking every year – planned in living rooms, car boots and WhatsApp groups – and yet it happens quietly, without fuss or fanfare.
By the time the appeal officially begins, those familiar red poppies are already appearing in windows and on counters, thanks to the dedication of volunteers who give their time simply because they care. Wherever you go locally, you’ll find that small symbol of remembrance – a sign not just of those who served, but of the community spirit that keeps their memory alive.
Community fundraising
For our branch, this year’s appeal began not with a meeting or a collection tin, but with a cup of tea and a slice of cake at Hutton Manor Care Home. Residents, staff and branch members came together for a coffee morning that was as much about conversation and connection as it was about raising money. Between the laughter, the memories and the shared stories, it was a wonderful reminder that remembrance isn’t only about looking back – it’s also about bringing people together in the present.
Not long after, our stall at Farsley Farmers Market proved a highlight of the appeal. From the moment we set up, we were greeted by familiar faces, kind words, and the unmistakable Farsley warmth. The generosity shown by visitors – whether buying a poppy pin, dropping coins in a tin, or simply stopping for a chat – created an atmosphere that perfectly captured what the appeal stands for.
And of course, throughout the appeal period, our volunteers could also be found at Asda and Marks & Spencer Pudsey, giving up their time to collect donations, sell pins and wristbands, and speak to hundreds of shoppers passing through. It’s not glamorous work – it’s long days on your feet, often in the chill of an automatic doorway – but it’s done with a smile and a sense of purpose that makes every moment worthwhile.
Every smile, every donation, every thank you from the community adds up to something remarkable. It’s a collective act of kindness that, when put together, becomes a symbol of gratitude and remembrance shared by the whole community.
Reuniting a medal, rekindling a memory
Earlier in November, members of our branch were proud to attend a truly special event – the return of a First World War Victory Medal belonging to Private Willie Greaves of Pudsey.
After more than a century, the medal was reunited with Willie’s son, Jeff, during a ceremony at the Dog & Gun in Wibsey, organised by the Dog & Gun Wibsey Veterans Group with support from the Pudsey & District Civic Society.
It was a remarkable moment to witness. Among the veterans, volunteers and family members gathered that afternoon, there was a shared sense of emotion and pride as Jeff received his father’s medal – a tangible connection to a life and a story that might otherwise have been lost to time.
For our branch, it was a privilege to be there and to play a small part in ensuring that Willie’s service and sacrifice were remembered once more.
Moments like this remind us why remembrance matters – it’s not just about ceremonies and parades, but about the people and stories that continue to shape our community generations later.
Representing the branch
On Saturday 8 November, our branch secretary and standard bearer, Liz, had the honour of representing Pudsey & Farsley RBL on the field at Headingley Stadium during the England vs Australia Third Ashes Test.
As the teams lined up and the ground fell silent for the act of remembrance, Liz stood proudly with the standard, a symbol of our branch and of the community we serve. Surrounded by the roar of the crowd one moment and complete stillness the next, it was a moment of immense pride and reflection.
Watching from the stands, thousands joined in that silence, while hundreds of thousands more paused at home as the ceremony was broadcast live across the country. To see our standard carried at such a national event, on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, was a reminder of how the work of our small branch reaches far beyond Pudsey and Farsley.
It was a privilege not only for Liz, but for everyone involved in our branch – a powerful example of remembrance at its very best: respectful, uniting, and shared by all.
Remembrance Sunday
Remembrance Sunday is always the heart of November for our branch – the day everything builds towards. Months of planning, phone calls, risk assessments, and logistics all come together in a few precious hours of quiet reflection and community pride.
This year, both Pudsey and Farsley once again showed the very best of what remembrance means locally. From early morning preparations and road closures, to the first sounds of the parades approaching, there was a sense of purpose and unity that can only come from shared remembrance.
In Pudsey, the crowds gathered well before the service began, lining the streets in silence as the parade made its way to the cenotaph. Veterans stood side by side with cadets, scouts, guides, and schoolchildren – each carrying their own stories, memories, and reasons for being there. The sound of the bugle, the wreaths laid, and the quiet that followed were moments that will stay with us for a long time.
Over in Farsley, the scene was equally moving. The community came together in strength and dignity, surrounding the cenotaph and standing shoulder to shoulder as the service took place. With standards held high and the rain threatening but never quite appearing, it was another year that reflected everything remembrance should be.
Behind every parade and every service are the volunteers and branch members who make it all happen. From stewarding and setting up, to coordinating wreaths, liaising with churches, and keeping everything running safely and smoothly – it’s a true team effort, made possible by people who care deeply about their community.
The scale of both events, and the respect shown throughout, were a credit to everyone involved. For those of us lucky enough to stand among the crowds, it was a reminder of why we do this – so that those who served, and those who never came home, are never forgotten.
Armistice Day
Just two days later, our community gathered once again to mark Armistice Day – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The drizzle that morning was typically Yorkshire, but it didn’t dampen spirits. People still filled the car park and the paths by Pudsey Cenotaph, and stood quietly as the town fell still. There’s something profoundly moving about that shared silence – no speeches, no ceremony, just a moment of reflection that connects generations.
It was particularly special to see so many schools taking part this year. Pupils from across Pudsey laid wreaths, and stood proudly alongside veterans and local residents. Their presence is a powerful reminder that remembrance isn’t fading – it’s being passed on, taught and understood by those who will carry it forward.
In those brief moments of stillness, surrounded by familiar faces and the gentle patter of rain, you could feel exactly what remembrance means: gratitude, unity, and the simple act of remembering together.
Our thanks
The Royal British Legion Pudsey & Farsley Branch would like to place on record our sincere thanks to everyone who helps make our local acts of remembrance possible each year.
Special thanks go to Gareth from Pudsey Parish Church for leading the service in Pudsey, and to Nathaniel from St John’s Church, Farsley, for leading the service in Farsley.
We are also extremely grateful to West Yorkshire Police for their support in implementing road closures and ensuring public safety, and to St John’s Ambulance Service for providing medical cover and caring for the wellbeing of those in attendance.
The branch would also like to thank the many local businesses who continue to support us year after year – whether that’s looking after our volunteers, providing toilet facilities, hosting coffee mornings, or allowing us space to hold a stall.
Finally, our heartfelt thanks go to our volunteers and branch members, who dedicate so much of their time to planning, organising, and supporting these events – from logistics and setup to collecting for the Poppy Appeal and assisting on the day. Their hard work and commitment ensure that remembrance continues to be honoured with dignity and respect across our community.
We would also like to give special mention to:
- Steve Hughes, Emma Jo and Ella, for managing barriers and ensuring crowd safety and parade access to the cenotaph car park.
- Darren Walker and Paul Curtis, for their moving performances of the Last Post and Reveille.
- Mark Harrison, for providing access to power for our audio systems.
We know there are far too many people and businesses to list individually, but please know that every contribution – no matter how small – helps make remembrance in Pudsey and Farsley what it is: a true reflection of community spirit, respect, and gratitude.
Closing thoughts
As remembrance draws to a close for another year, the poppies are packed away, the standards are stored, and attention begins to turn toward Christmas. But in many ways, the two are closely linked.
Christmas, too, is a time for remembering – not only our friends and family who are no longer with us, but also those who came before us and made possible the freedoms and comforts we enjoy today. It’s a season of gratitude as much as celebration, and a reminder that the spirit of remembrance doesn’t end with November.
As we sit down to our Christmas dinners, open presents with loved ones, and enjoy the warmth of home and family, it’s worth sparing a moment for the men and women of our Armed Forces who will spend the festive season far from home. Their service and sacrifice ensure that we can enjoy ours in peace.
From all of us at the Royal British Legion Pudsey & Farsley Branch, thank you for standing with us, for supporting the Poppy Appeal, and for helping to keep remembrance alive in our community – not just in November, but all year round.
