Derek James has a timely reminder of why we should wear our poppies with pride.

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row.

Part of the moving 1915 poem by John McCrae, a doctor serving with the Canadian Armed Forces, in the aftermath of devastation when the poppy was the only thing which grew.

On the 11th hour of the 11th month in 1918, the First World War ended.

The people wanted to remember and an American secretary Moina Michael, inspired by that poem, began selling poppies to friends.

And so the tradition became.

In 1922 the Disabled Society was formed and members started making poppies – today it is it is a national symbol of remembrance.

What could be simpler than buying a poppy? Such a moving and poignant symbol to show that we do care.

Care about others. Those who have died or been wounded in theatres of war over the decades and members of their families.

It was an honour to be asked to open the Royal British Legion Poppy Shop which this year is in the former Zavvi store at the entrance to Castle Mall by the Back of the Inns.

The shop is open until November 13 so please pop along and show you care – by giving what you can afford for a poppy.