Local Legend Colonel Eric Davidson Steps Down After 50 Years of Remembrance
Colonel Eric Davidson, a pillar of Bury’s Armed Forces community, is hanging up his boots after more than 50 years organising the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade. On the 100th anniversary of the Royal British Legion, he’s determined to smash fundraising records for veterans—an impressive challenge given Bury has already raised around £500,000 in the past seven years alone.
A Century of Honour and Hard Work
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.”
From Young Poppy Seller to Parade Pioneer
Eric’s dedication started young. At 11, he peddled his butcher’s bike delivering poppies to outlying farms, selling wax car poppies at prices ranging 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 GMP in 1988.
He first got involved with Bury’s Remembrance parade safety in 1967 and took over parade and Poppy Appeal duties in 1985, when the previous organisers retired. Eric, a proud Fusilier and MBE recipient (2008), also holds the honorary title of Freeman of Bury and Deputy Lord Lieutenant.
Over the years, he masterminded a new parade route after The Rock’s closure and improved the event’s layout to boost public participation and enhance the ceremony’s solemnity at the Cenotaph. This year, he’s introducing special display frames to protect wreaths from bad weather.
Passing the Torch After a Lifetime of Service
At 84, Colonel Eric is stepping down due to ill health but hopes a younger generation will take the helm and raise even more for this worthy 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.
