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Fred’s flowers have ‘wow factor’

A VILLAGE is marking Remembrance Day by adorning the community with poppies designed by a local artist.

The red flowers can be found all across Endon, not just along the A53 where hundreds admire them daily.

Many are tucked away in the side roads.

Chair of Endon with Stanley Parish Council Suzanne Sillitoe said: “The parish council is proud to sponsor the splendid display which is again the work of one man, our amazing Fred Goldstraw.

“This year he has not only installed more than 500 poppies – which have been recycled over the past four years – but has added a new larger range which certainly have the wow factor.

“In addition, we have displayed the Poppy Cascade which was created by students at Endon High School and donated to the parish council in 2020.

“This year the work of the Royal British Legion reaches its centenary.

“To mark this we are holding an outdoor, covid-managed ceremony, on the Station Road Memorial Playing Field at 10.30am on Sunday, November 14.

“The ceremony will be totally inclusive with appropriate words and music but with no religious content.

“All expenses will be met through the Chairman’s Honorarium and the ceremony will be relayed through a public address system.

“Endon resident Keith Jervis will sound the Last Post, signalling a respectful two minutes’ silence at 11am.

“There will be an opportunity to donate to the Poppy Appeal but no formal collection will be taken.”

Residents who wish to remember in a place of worship will be able to attend the Methodist Chapel at 10am or St Luke’s Church at 10.45am.

There will be a short wreath laying ceremony at the war memorial at 11.30am when residents can leave their personal tributes in the Staffordshire Knot bed.

Here, Endon High School’s head boy and head girl will dedicate a Peace Poppy from the Tower of London on behalf of Endon pupils past and present.

Suzanne added: “If you travel through Endon in the next few days we hope you enjoy the display but please spare a thought for what the poppies really stand for.”