Saturday’s fixture against Wycombe Wanderers saw the U’s pay their respects to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in armed conflict and show support for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Here’s a round-up of the afternoon:
Poppies On Shirts
United’s players wore special edition Poppy shirts on the weekend and will do so for their trip to Leyton Orient on Saturday 11th November. All match-worn shirts will be signed and auctioned following the Orient fixture to raise funds for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
To find out more about the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal or to donate, please visit https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate
‘The Last Post’ Performance
The 10,000-strong crowd in OX4 observed a period of silence which was followed by a performance of ‘The Last Post’ played incredibly by Andrew Crowley, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music and currently the Artistic Director with the internationally acclaimed group, London Brass.
We thank Andrew for his performance on Saturday afternoon and everyone at Oxford United wishes him the very best as he continues his treatment for cancer.
Royal British Legion Presence
We were honoured to welcome members of the Oxfordshire County Branch of The Royal British Legion. Mrs. Fiona Lovesey, the County Vice Chair, Mr. Tjark Andrews, the County Standard Bearer who is an ex-RAF Armourer, and Mr. Peter Clarke who is one of the Oxfordshire County Parade Marshals, and an ex-RAF Survival Equipment Specialist, were all present on the pitch during our pre-match Remembrance Day ceremony.
The Laying Of Poppy Wreaths
Oxford United CEO Tim Williams, Bob Phillips MBE, and John ‘Spike’ Elliott all laid poppy wreaths on the pitch during the Remembrance Day ceremony on Saturday.
Bob Phillips MBE grew up in Barton and joined the Royal Marines at 17 years old in 1970, serving for 22 years in Commando Units and Royal Navy ships around the world.
John ‘Spike’ Elliott, the club’s Sports Therapist, served his country for 23 years in the UK, Germany, Gibraltar, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Cyprus, Hong Kong, Bosnia, and Kosovo.
We’d like to thank all supporters in attendance at the game against Wycombe on Saturday for impeccably observing our Remembrance Day ceremony and the moment of silence during ‘The Last Post’.