08 November 2013
Methodist Poppy Girl will sing for The Queen
A young Methodist has been selected to sing the official 2013
Poppy Appeal single, which she will perform in front of the Queen -
and six million TV viewers - on Saturday evening.
Charlotte Mellor, 17, is one of The Poppy Girls: the first
all-girl group formed from Armed Forces families. She is also the
daughter of the Revd Paul Mellor, a Methodist chaplain in the
Forces serving at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.
Charlotte, who attends The Leys - a Methodist school - in
Cambridge, appeared on the BBC One Show and BBC Breakfast
television programmes this week. On Thursday she sang for the Prime
Minister and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at Number 10 Downing
Street. The Poppy Girls single is called "The Call (No Need to say
Goodbye)".
"My faith is utterly important to me," Charlotte said. "Something
my dad taught me a long time ago was that God doesn't love war, but
he loves us and that's extremely important to me, especially during
the time of Remembrance."
The Poppy Girls group was formed following a worldwide search
within the Armed Forces community. More than 1,000 hopefuls entered
a competition to win a spot in the group, which will perform in
front of HM The Queen at the Legion's prestigious Festival of
Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 9 November.
Charlotte's dad, the Revd Paul Mellor, said: "Remembrance Day for
me is very personal. During my time within the military, I have had
to deal with a number of families who have lost sons and daughters.
I think of those families who are still suffering. It is a very
poignant moment where we all stop as a nation to reflect.
Sometimes, even in the midst of conflict, there is hope. We also
think about those who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice
within that service."
The Revd Ruth Gee, President of the Methodist Conference, will be
attending the Cenotaph Remembrance Day Service this Sunday. She
said: "It will be my privilege to represent the Methodist Church at
the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday where I will be standing with
others to remember those in the forces who have lost their lives in
war and in service to this nation. We also remember those currently
serving in the forces, including those appointed as chaplains. The
Methodist people remember and pray for all who suffer because of
war and violence and we long for peace."
Ends
Notes: For a picture of the Poppy Girls, see here.