Oxford United will mark its annual Remembrance fixture against Reading on Wednesday 4 November, paying tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces and supporting the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
The Men's Team will wear special-edition Poppy shirts for the fixture. Following the match, the shirts will be signed by the players and auctioned, with all proceeds donated to the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
Pre-match Remembrance ceremony
Ahead of kick-off, Oxford United Head Coach Aaron Ramsey and Reading Manager Leam Richardson will join supporters and veterans Paul Charlett and Colin Edwards on the pitch to lay wreaths in remembrance of all those who have served and sacrificed in the Armed Forces.
Representing Oxford United supporters, Paul Charlett served for 12 years in the Royal Marines, earning his Green Beret and deploying to Afghanistan, where he sustained injuries in an improvised explosive device incident. He later trained recruits at the Commando Training Centre, Royal Marines in Devon. Since leaving the Corps, Paul has continued his public service as a firefighter with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service at Rewley Road Fire Station.
Representing Reading supporters, Colin Edwards is a lifelong Royals fan and veteran. He served in the RAF as an Air Movements Operator before spending two decades in the Territorial Army, including service with the Royal Corps of Transport, Berkshire Yeomanry and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment. Colin has also been a steward at Reading since January 2013.
The ceremony will also welcome representatives from the Oxfordshire and Berkshire County Branches of the Royal British Legion:
- Mrs Fiona Lovesey – Oxfordshire County RBL County Chair
- Mr Peter Clarke – Oxfordshire County RBL County Parade Marshal
- Mr Tjark Andrews – Oxfordshire County RBL County Standard Bearer
- Miss Natalie Buxton – Bampton Branch RBL Branch Standard Bearer
- Mr Trevor Butler – Carterton and District RBL Branch Standard Bearer
- Miss Emily Lander – Royal County of Berkshire RBL County Standard Bearer
- Mr Andy Gale – Royal County of Berkshire and Tilehurst, Tilehurst Standard Bearer
A period of silence will follow, accompanied by a live performance of the Last Post by Mr Michael Bunce.
Michael served 30 years in the RAF, reaching the rank of Chief Technician, and has been a civilian member of the RAF Brize Norton Voluntary Band for more than 10 years. He currently works for Boeing as an aircraft maintenance technician supporting the RAF’s C-17 fleet.
Supporters are reminded that the silence will begin and end on the referee’s whistle. Those arriving close to the 7:45pm kick-off are kindly asked to enter the stadium quietly and respectfully.
Half-time performance
At half-time, Oxford United will welcome back the Royal Air Force Air Cadets from 1460 (Banbury) Squadron marching band to OX4. The band will perform a medley of military pieces in tribute to those who have served.
To find out more about the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal or to make a donation, visit www.britishlegion.org.uk
Tickets for the fixture are selling fast, with some areas already sold out.
Buy tickets online or call the Ticket Office on 01865 337 533.
