Colonel Eric Davidson, a pillar of Bury’s Armed Forces community, is stepping down after more than 50 years of organising the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade. Marking the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, Colonel Eric is determined to break fundraising records for veterans, despite Bury having already raised around £500,000 in the past seven years alone.
Known affectionately as Colonel Eric, he said: “It’s been 100 years since the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal started, and it remains the nation’s way of giving back. After two world wars and many conflicts, our veterans need help. The Poppy Appeal provides vital funds for those who deserve it.”
He added: “My goal this year is to raise more than the £76,000 we achieved in 2019. Covid made it tough, but I’m determined to make my final appeal my best.”
Eric’s dedication began at a young age. At 11, he delivered poppies to outlying farms on his butcher’s bike and sold wax car poppies priced from a penny to five bob. Originally from Jedburgh on the Scottish borders, Eric joined Bolton Police in 1958, later moving to Bury and retiring from Greater Manchester Police in 1988.
He first became involved with Bury’s Remembrance parade safety in 1967 and took over parade and Poppy Appeal duties in 1985 after the previous organisers retired. Eric, a proud Fusilier and MBE recipient in 2008, also holds the honorary titles of Freeman of Bury and Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
Over the years, he introduced a new parade route following The Rock’s closure and improved the event’s layout to increase public participation and enhance the ceremony’s solemnity at the Cenotaph. This year, he is introducing special display frames to protect wreaths from bad weather.
At 84, Colonel Eric is retiring due to ill health but hopes a younger generation will continue his work and raise even more for this important cause. Bury Mayor, Councillor Tim Pickstone, praised his commitment: “Colonel Eric has been at the heart of Bury’s Remembrance events for over 50 years. His dedication is truly appreciated. The 100th anniversary of the Poppy Appeal is the perfect moment for him to take a well-earned rest.”
This year’s Civic Remembrance Ceremony, led by the Mayor, will take place on Sunday 14 November. Parades will start from Bury Town Hall at 10.30am, moving to Market Place for a service and wreath-laying at the war memorial. The two minutes’ silence will be observed, followed by a remembrance service at Bury Parish Church and a march past en route to Castle Armoury.
Originally published by UKNIP.
