Villagers make poppies to mark First World War centenary

As part of the commemoration of the centenary of the end of World War One, on the 11th of November, Herstmonceux W. I. will make a ‘Cascade of Poppies’ to be draped on the side of the Village Hall by the Plaque of Remembrance.

They will need over 1,000 poppies. So far they have managed to collect around 400, but still have a long way to go before the 2nd of September when they will be holding a poppy morning.

Herstmonceux’s history has strong ties to world war 1, famously having the four ghost soldiers dotted around the village. As such, the W.I. feels it is important to mark the centenary of the end of WW1.

The organisers would like the whole village, young and old, to participate in making the poppies. They should be no bigger than 8-10cm and can be made from any material – felt is ideal as it doesn’t fray.

The poppies can be personalised to show individual connections with WW1. One poppy with a football button in the middle was made by a villager in memory of the men of ‘the Football Battalion’ of which her grandfather was one – Robert (Pom-Pom) Whiting, who was goalie for Brighton some years before the outbreak of WW1, sadly died in 1917 helping wounded soldiers.

The finished poppies can be taken to the Village Information Centre (Mon-Fri 9.30-12.30) or can be picked up by a member of the team – contact 01323 833450 or 01323 833508 for further information.

Local businesses are also taking part in the project. Suzanne Jones who owns a local crafts shop, commented on the Herstmonceux community page offering her services: “I will have black beads available for anyone who may need them for the centre of their poppies. Wooden and glass, several sizes, pop in to Crafts at The Malthouse (next door to the school) to pick them up. If anyone is doing a group craft for the poppies and will need a larger quantity, I can get what you need, come in and let me know your requirements.”

By Mattie Gaye