David De Souza
Stoneclough poppy waterfall
Fundraising for The Royal British Legion
Story
This is David’s plan
As some of you may remember the poppy waterfalls and Remembrance Arch project last year was by all accounts a huge success both in terms of raising money for the Royal British Legion and putting a little part of our area on the map.
Testament to the amount of individuals that turned up on Remembrance Day it was clear to see that it was well received. We had visitors from as far as Brecon South Wales and Motherwell Scotland.
This year will hopefully be no different in terms of its success.
The projects aim is to obviously raise as much money as possible for the Royal British Legion but to also educate the local children about the importance of Remembrance Day and why it’s important to carry the tradition on.
As with most of my projects I need the help of others.
This years project is a huge undertaking once again. I seem to say that with each passing year. This years project is one that I am confidently can be achieved if we pull together just like the last two previous years.
I have an amazing team behind me, some who work out front, some who like to stay anonymous and others who turn up on the day just to help keep the machine working!
As you can see from the artist impression, this year, like last, there will be a waterfall either side of the bridge in striking poppy red for all those fallen we wish to remember, linked together by an arch of purple poppies to remember the service of the animals.
This years new addition is the Aftermath Poppy Garland.
The garland will sweep across Ringley Old Bridge from one side to the other and represent all who stayed home and who have been effected by war and conflict, be it physically or mentally.
A family member left behind to care for the family and carry on regardless in the face of adversity.
The project as always will be in stages.
Stage 1
Firstly we need to collect around 6000 plastic bottle bottoms.
Stage 2
Secondly the poppies need to be distributed for painting, drilling for cable ties, re collected once done and bagged up.
Stage 3
Thirdly we need volunteers to attach the poppies to the garland net and if needed the waterfalls and arch on if some need replacing.
A scheduled day is to be announced in due course.
At this point all I need you to do is save your round plastic bottle bottoms or containers, place them in a black bin bag and it can either be dropped off at the Horseshoe pub in the bins to the side, my address or be collected from yourself.
If you’re in a position to cut, drill two holes and paint inside the bottle bottom this would be a massive help.
If it’s plastic, and round or poppy shaped then it can be used.
We do listen to your feedback, and the only slight negative feedback we had from last year was the sound and that some unfortunately could not hear what was being said. We took note of this and have acted upon it.
I know some have wondered what happens to the funds that the scarecrow festival raises. Wonder no more! It is in fact used locally to help and support others.
A huge thank you has to go out to Tracey Wilkinson. What an amazing lady she is.
Tracey informed me that the PA system we desperately required has been bought by Kearsley Scarecrow Festival for community use.
If anyone wants to loan the PA system for their local event you can contact kearsleyfestivalgroup@hotmail.com
or via Facebook www.facebook.com/kearsleyscarecrowfestival
Finally for the parade on the day we require 6 children to hold a small bouquet of poppies and walk behind the Flag bearer.
If you would like your child to take part in this please privately message Lisa so your child’s name can be logged. Obviously if we get more than six children’s names, we will have to draw from a hat.
There will of course be more announcements and updates as the project moves along and I am happy to answer any questions that you may have but for now the priority is to start saving and collecting your plastic bottle bottoms and round plastic containers.
A just giving page will be set up, if you don’t have access to it you will be able to put money in the collection buckets that are situated around the village and will be with members of the group on the day of the service.
Thank you.
🌺🌺Lest We Forget🌺🌺
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