THIS week in my constituency office has been rather different, as the usual tasks have been replaced with packing and loading boxes ahead of our office move. I will miss being on the High Street as it is where I have been situated since becoming an MP, however I am excited for my team and I to settle into our new office which is located at Unit 6, Business Service Centre 2, Hood Road, Barry. My office telephone number will be changing, details of which will be shared as soon as possible, however in the meantime I can be directly contacted on alun.cairns.mp@parliament.uk.

Readers will have seen in Barry’s excellent Shopping Quarter, some very impressive, artistic shop-fronts decorated in preparation for Halloween and like many of you, I am very much looking forward to attending one of the Vale of Glamorgan’s numerous bonfire and fireworks displays this weekend. Yet, in the midst of these highly popular autumnal activities, is perhaps one of the most important dates of them all: the annual launch of the Poppy Appeal.

This year’s local Poppy Appeal campaign has, as always, kick-started with dedicated volunteers working tirelessly to support the efforts of the Royal British Legion. In the course of the 2017 Poppy Appeal, the Royal British Legion are asking the Great British public to ‘rethink remembrance by recognising the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community, past and present.’ By supporting their appeal this year, you are not only remembering those who fought and fell on behalf of our country, but you are also paying tribute to those currently serving as military personnel. Whether it is buying and wearing a Poppy or giving spare time to volunteer, all contributions to the 2017 Poppy Appeal will aid one of the most deserving of causes.

The Royal British Legion have, in addition, recently commenced their First World War centenary commemorations with the ‘Silent Soldiers’, many which have been placed around the Vale of Glamorgan. It was a privilege to be shown one of these near life-size silhouettes ahead of their unveiling and I was truly moved by the symbolism and effectiveness of their image. The opaque figure of a soldier will resonate powerfully as they take their places across the Vale right up until the centenary next year.

This November, I appeal to every Vale resident from Dinas Powys to Ogmore By Sea to join me and millions of other across the country to don a Poppy with pride and display not only remembrance, but also hope.