A one of a kind poppy-liveried mini excavator donated by JCB raised more than £25,000 to support veterans when it was auctioned to kickstart the Centenary Poppy Appeal.
The winning bid of £25,500 made by loyal JCB customer Arnold Plant Hire Limited.
The 16C-1 model is worth around £20,000. Designed and built to withstand the toughest of jobs on-site, It has 100% steel bodywork, as well as 180° opening bi-fold access doors to all cleaning, maintenance points and daily checks.
HM Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Ian Dudson CBE, officially launched the Staffordshire Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal at JCB World Headquarters in Rocester last week where the name of the successful bidder was announced.
In addition, a specially commissioned art installation, to mark the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice, was also unveiled.
Designed and made by JCB graduates and apprentices, it features 255 porcelain poppies – one for each Uttoxeter, Rocester and Denstone person who lost their lives in The Great War.
The poppies were handcrafted by more than 30 JCB employees who were former members of the Armed Forces.
Speaking at the launch event, JCB chairman Lord Bamford said: ‘‘As a nation, we must never forget the debt we owe to the Great War generation, and this year is our opportunity to say ‘Thank You’. Many people who work at JCB had forebears who fought, and in many cases died, in World War I.
‘‘So many families were torn apart by that awful conflict, so it’s important that we not only say thank you, but that we also do not forget.”
JCB also paid tribute to its own employees’ forebears at the event with a 40ft long pictorial roll of honour bearing the names of 50 JCB employees’ relatives – 21 of whom died in The Great War.
Some were awarded the highest military honours for their bravery. At the event, JCB employee Jack Atkinson shared the harrowing story of Private Arthur Rowe, of Tean, his great-great-grandfather, who died aged 34 in October 1917 without ever meeting his newly-born daughter, Helen.
Jack said: “I am 27 years old and it is essential that our generation keeps these stories alive. It is great that JCB has given us this opportunity to say thank you to our relatives and keep their memories alive.”
Members of the public are welcome to visit JCB World Headquarters to view the art installation and Roll of Honour until Friday, November 9 (weekdays only).
Limited edition replica porcelain poppies to commemorate each of the 255 Uttoxeter, Rocester and Denstone people who lost their lives in World War I are available to buy (£25 each) at JCB World Headquarters shop. All the proceeds will go to The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
