Remembrance 100 – Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green
In August of 2017
parishioner Jenny Dodd suggested that we mark 100 Years since the Armistice by
covering the porch of St Laurence Church,
Blackmore, with knitted poppies made by members of the community in
Blackmore, Hook End and Wyatts Green. She was hopeful that people would knit a
few each and if we were lucky we would get around 1500 or maybe even 2000!
Remembrance Sunday
still seems to resonate with the majority of people and the project has evolved.
It has captured the imagination, not only of local people and groups, but also
people from Spain, Canada and New Zealand who have been knitting poppies for
this significant event.
From the 1st
of November until the 21st over 6250
knitted poppies along with a further 1000
poppies made from plastic bottle bottoms will be displayed on the church and in
the churchyard. A ‘Poppy Trail’, around areas of the churchyard, will evoke
emotion as people journey around a moving and informative experience. Along the
trail there will be information points with facts and background material
relating to the First World War, the British Legion and the significance of the
poppy along with moving poems both old and new. The trail will visit the graves
of local people who died in, or as a result of, the war. The final two stops on
the trail will allow people to reflect on the scale and enormity of the
sacrifice made by millions of service people worldwide and those of the local
community.
From the 8th
November until the 13th, floral tributes sponsored by local people,
groups and businesses will be on display inside the church. Created by local
people, these will pay tribute to individuals, and depict scenes and aspects of
the war.
On the 9th
of November at 7.30 in the evening a talk ‘For King & Country: Blackmore
during the First World War’ will be given in St Laurence church.
There will also be an
act of remembrance at Our sister church, St. Peter & St. Paul’s Stondon
Massey on Saturday 10th November at 5:30pm which will be a chance to
reflect on the 100 years since the armistice with music, poetry and art.
All events are free but
any donations will be given to the Royal British Legion.
Our key aims for this Remembrance
100 event are to remember those who have given their lives in the first world
war and all subsequent wars, to highlight the works of the British Legion and
raise money for their continued work and to help everyone to understand the
enormity of the sacrifices made and continue to be made to preserve our way of
life today.
The scale of the cost
of human life in the First World War is astounding. Coupled with those who
suffered life changing injuries and the suffering of the families, friends and
indeed sometimes whole communities this is something that we should all
remember and reflect upon. Wars have not ceased and these sufferings continue.
Our service men and women risk their lives on a daily basis often in peace
keeping roles in other countries. We owe them and all who have served before
them a great debt for our freedom and the way of life we enjoy in our country.
There is no cost to
remember. The price has already been paid. At the going down of sun and in the
morning we will remember them.
