Pop-up poppy scheme has taken over villages
POPPIES are popping up all over Endon and Stanley – with hundreds more to come.
The idea started quite modestly to put lamp post poppies along a section of the A53, but the beautiful ironwork on the signage (legacy of the late Geoff Perkin) presented opportunities and then the idea snowballed.
Suzanne Sillitoe, chairman of Endon with Stanley Parish Council, said: “Endon resident Fred Goldstraw is the driving force behind the poppy installations and has now lost track of how many he has made.”
So far they are at the Fountain, in the wildflower beds opposite the Plough, at The Travellers Rest, Stanley, and on the Lynch Gate at St Luke’s Church.
Other groups have been inspired to join in, Endon Guides have decorated the fence at Station Road Playing Fields; The Boat Club have dressed their Welcome Boat, the yard and the canal bridge; Barbara Hall (Well Dresser) has decorated the Well and St Luke’s School have made well over one hundred to cascade down the front of the village hall.
Ceramic poppies made by Endon Hall Primary School will surround the War Memorial and Endon High School are creating metal ones for the school forecourt.
Knitted poppies adorn the interior of St Luke’s Church and Brownies and Rainbows are making paper ones for the village hall.
On November 11, the parish council is promoting The Battle’s Over a Nation’s Tribute.
People are asked to assemble at 6.45pm at Station Road Playing Field.
At 6.55pm, bugler Richard Bailey will sound the Last Post followed by the beacon lighting at 7pm.
The beacon will be lit by 102-year-old WW2 Veteran Roy Horley, who has been awarded the prestigious Legion of Honour.
He will be assisted by members of the local Army Cadet Force. After the church bells have rung out for peace, Andrew Stretch, a popular choice for Town Crier, will deliver the Cry for Peace.
At 7.15pm, refreshments will be available in the village hall where there will be an exhibition of WW1 artefacts and students artwork based on war themes.
Local groups and villagers will then present an entertainment in words and music which is a free event with an opportunity to donate to Help for Heroes.
The parish council chairman added: “We are hoping that the Battle’s Over will be well attended, making a fitting tribute to the brave men of our village who fought for our freedom and sacrificed their lives one hundred years ago.
“We will remember them.”