Westwood Cross Invites Thanet Community for Day of Remembrance in Support of Poppy Appeal at Westwood Cross

Westwood Cross in Broadstairs will bring together the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal teams from Ramsgate, Broadstairs and Margate on Saturday 24 October for a day of remembrance, community activities, and support for the Poppy Appeal.

The shopping centre will join Royal British Legion volunteers, Army Cadets, Scouts and Sea Cadets, in inviting the Thanet community to recognise, remember and support the Armed Forces ahead of Remembrance Day on 11 November, and beyond.

Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy demonstrations and interactive activities from participating groups, including an Army Cadet Force equipment display, uniform try-on and a performance by the Sea Cadet band.

Guests can also explore the interactive Remembrance Trail, which examines historical and modern conflict, including both World Wars. Information and activities along the trail will help visitors learn about these conflicts and the continuing importance of supporting the Armed Forces.

There will also be an opportunity for personal remembrance at the Westwood Cross memorial poppy and Remembrance Garden.

Between 12pm and 2pm, invited local representatives including the Mayors of Broadstairs, Margate and Ramsgate, Polly Billington MP, and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Mr Clive Steven DL who will be attending as the representative of the Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, and King Charles’ representative in the county. Civic proceedings will include a guided visit of the trail, displays and activity areas, followed by speeches at the Sundial area of the centre.

Collection points and Royal British Legion information stands will be located across the centre, enabling visitors to support the 2026 Poppy Appeal and collect their own red poppy pin, as well as find out how they can get involved with local initiatives and support.

This year’s Poppy Appeal carries the message, “When someone serves, their family serves too”, recognising the contribution and sacrifice of Armed Forces families and highlighting that the Royal British Legion is there from the first day of service and throughout their lives.

Fran Donovan, Centre Director at Westwood Cross, said: “Westwood Cross has a special connection to the Armed Forces community. The site was once home to a hospital that cared for service personnel injured in conflict, so supporting the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal is especially close to our hearts.

“We are proud to bring local people together for a day of family-friendly activities, shared learning and quiet reflection. We hope families from across Kent will join us, and say ‘thank you’ to those who have served, while showing their support for today’s Armed Forces community and raising vital funds for the Poppy Appeal.”

The Thanet Poppy Appeal community day runs from 10am-4pm on Saturday 24^th October.

Additional activities planned for the Sundial area will be subject to weather conditions and may be adapted if necessary. For more information, please visit www.westwoodx.com. For further information about the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal, visit www.rbl.org.uk.