R100 – Update
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 resonates with the majority of people and the project evolved. It captured the imagination, not only of local people and groups, but also people from Spain, Canada and New Zealand who knitted 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 were displayed on the church and in the churchyard. A ‘Poppy Trail’, around areas of the churchyard, evoked emotion as people journey around a moving and informative experience. Along the trail there were 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 visited the graves of local people who died in, or as a result of, the war. The final two stops on the trail allowed 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 were on display inside the church. Created by local people, these paid tribute to individuals, and depicted 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’ was given in St Laurence church.
An act of remembrance at our sister church, St. Peter & St. Paul’s Stondon Massey was held on Saturday 10th November at 5:30pm which reflected on the 100 years since the armistice with music, poetry and art.
All events were free but over £1900 in donations was given to the Royal British Legion.
Our key aims for this Remembrance 100 event were to remember those who gave 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.
For further information, please contact John Hughes on 01277 821805 / 07543 171508.
