Villagers create Field of Remembrance with 13,000 poppies

A tribute to generations who served in wartime has taken shape in Whitley, where nearly 13,000 handmade poppies have been installed in a village paddock.

The Field of Remembrance has been created by villagers at Pocock’s Paddock, on the corner of Middle Lane and Corsham Road, with poppies knitted and crocheted by people from the local area and as far afield as Canada.

The project was organised by local resident Barry Pocock, who was inspired by a similar display at Corsham Court and wanted to create a striking tribute to those who fell in wars, both locally and nationally.

“There’s been a lot of enthusiasm,” said Barry. “It’s brought people together and shown community spirit. It’s nice as everyone has been doing it for the same cause.

“We’ve met people in the village who we didn’t know well. It’s a team effort by everybody.”

The paddock also has its own wartime history, having been used by Whitley’s Home Guard during the Second World War. Barry’s grandad was in charge of the local unit.

The poppies have been made over several months, with community craft sessions also held in the village.

The field features silhouettes of soldiers and women who contributed to the war effort, as well as purple poppies to remember animals lost during wartime and yellow poppies commemorating the Canary Girls – women who worked in munitions factories and were exposed to chemicals used in explosives.

Local children have also contributed by painting pebbles with poppy designs, while recycled plastic bottle bases have been used to create further decorations.

Visitors can walk through the field along a dedicated walkway, with benches provided for people to sit and reflect.

Barry said the project offered a different way for people to remember those who had given their lives for the country.

The display opened on Sunday 1st November and will remain in place until Sunday 15th November.

 

1 of 3

- +

1.

2.

3.