THE Royal British Legion were encouraging people to rethink what remembrance means at the poppy appeal launch at Longleat this morning (October 27).

As spectators gathered, they wore their poppies in support of the Armed Forces community, past and present, as well as elderly veterans.

The Royal British Legion's parachute team Jump4Heroes descended to the front of Longleat house to present Viscountess Weymouth, Emma McQuiston, with the first Wiltshire Poppy.

Among the guests were eight pupils from Horningsham Primary School as well as members of the Royal British Legion including the president General Sir Jack Deverell, county chairman Mike Swabey, head of community fundraising Christine Chatfield and women’s section county president Fiona Havergal.

A six foot poppy along with an armoured vehicle, courtesy of the Royal Tank Regiment, was displayed next to Longleat's iconic black lions.

After the ceremony the guests were served teas prepared by Viscountess Weymouth in The Green Library in the main house.

In June this year, General Sir Nick Carter, the professional head of the British Army, officially co-signed the Armed Forces Covenant with Viscount Weymouth, Ceawlin Thynn, at Longleat.

As an Armed Forces friendly organization, Longleat also supports the employment of veterans, Service spouses and partners as well as supporting local cadet units and reservists.