TEA AND CAKE was on hand as the Lord Mayor welcomed a team of World War II veterans to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal.
Lord Mayor, Councilor Michael Hammon, invited four veterans from the Coventry Airborne Association for breakfast in his office before they all travelled to West Orchards Shopping Centre for the launch.
Glidermen Cecil Jeffcote, aged 92, and 93-year-old Geoff Owen were also joined by 96-year-old former intelligence officer Nigel ‘Gil’ Tolley, and birthday boy Jim Smith.
Celebrating his 97th birthday on the same morning, Radford-born Jim is one of is the last surviving members of the original SAS regiment.
Speaking about the day, Coun Michael Hammon said: “It is always a privilege to be in the company of representatives of the ex-service community of the city.
“The day was made extra special for Jim Smith as he celebrated his 97th birthday, although all the veterans are in their 90’s which is absolutely remarkable.
“It was a pleasure to be in their company as we all went on to West Orchards Shopping Centre for the launch of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.”
