Soprano launches fund-raising poppy appeal CD

British soprano Hayley Westenra launched an album of remembrance yesterday to make money for the Royal British Legion’s 90th Poppy Appeal.

The forces songbird sported an eye-catching hat embellished with a large poppy as she attended an event promoting the fundraising CD at the Imperial War Museum in London.

We Will Remember Them is a collection of poignant wartime poetry, prose and news clippings from World War I through to texts written by servicemen in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ms Westenra said: “It is an album of remembrance with readings of the best and most beautiful poems and news readings set to well chosen classical music.

“It was a real honour to be asked to be involved with this because I’m normally a singer. To be able to do a reading was a really great experience.

“It is for the 90th anniversary of the Poppy appeal and the Royal British Legion are trying to raise £90 million which is a mighty goal indeed.” The readings on the CD were recorded by Dame Vera Lynn, Stephen Fry and Joanna Lumley, among others.

Actors Bernard Cribbins and Simon Williams were also involved with the project and attended the launch event.

The CD features Mr Fry reciting In Flanders Fields and Ms Lumley reading Do Not Stand At My Grave and Weep and I Am With You.

Other readings include Rupert Brooke’s sonnet The Soldier, and Staff Sergeant Andrew McFarlane’s Sunset Vigil – written to commemorate his comrades killed while serving alongside him in Afghanistan.

Royal British Legion president Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely said: “Remembrance Day is a time to remember all those who sacrificed their lives, particularly those from the British armed forces.

“It’s a personal time for many as we remember individuals we have known who’ve been killed. I’m delighted by the release of this album, both to raise all-important funds for the Royal British Legion and to convey the sentiment of the nation at this poignant time.”

The CD is set to be released on October 18 and £1 from each one sold will be donated to the charity.