Poppy appeal funds to help soldiers stolen from Solihull pub - The Coventry Observer

Poppy appeal funds to help soldiers stolen from Solihull pub

Coventry Editorial 21st Nov, 2019   0

FUNDS destined to help serving soldiers, veterans and their families have been stolen from a Solihull pub.

A collection box was allegedly taken from The Flute and Flagon on Station Parade on November 4 at around 7pm.

Solihull police have released CCTV images of a man and a woman they want to speak with over the incident.

Tom Parsons, team leader at the pub, told The Observer the box on the bar had been there for a few weeks when it was taken and was almost full.




He believes there could have been around £100 in the box – funds which would have supported soldiers in their recovery, rehabilitation and transition to civilian life.

Tom said the pub manager wanted to support the Royal British Legion and all the work they do for veterans in Solihull and across the country.


Undeterred by the theft The Flute and Flagon has continued to support charities close to their heart – although now they have taken extra precaution.

Tom said: “We have to keep our charity tins on the back of the bar now, but we will still use them to help raise money for the prostate cancer charity.

“Stealing from charity is quite a bad thing to do.”

Each year the Solihull branch of the Royal British Legion does all it can to raise thousands for soldiers.

In 2018 the national appeal raised over £50million and generous donors in Solihull contributed more than £55,000.

Following the launch of this year’s appeal the Solihull branch showcased a number of ex-military vehicles in Mell Square and sold poppies to shoppers.

The Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal was launched in 1921 and supports serving and ex military personnel, veterans and families after seven days of service.

The appeal offers care and support for veterans, physical and mental rehabilitation services and financial and employment support for those serving and who have left the military.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or online at www.west-midlands.police.uk and quote reference 20SH/261315U/19.

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