A church is staging a series of events of commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

As part of Fenland Heritage Weekend, which runs from September 12-14, St Augustine’s Church in Wisbech is holding a poppy link event, painting competition, 1920s style tea party, stalls and raffle.

Mayor of Wisbech Michael Hill and MP Steve Barclay will both be present at the launch of the commemorations.

Jessie Tindale, of St Augustine’s church, said: “It is 100 years since our fellow countrymen and women laid down their lives for us. This was a big sacrifice and we should not this pass us by. So it seems fitting we should do something.

“For the poppy link, the church would like everyone to make a poppy no bigger than four inches across that can be made of any red fabric, wool and felt but not paper.

“On the back of the poppy you can attach a small name tag and put your name on it, or dedicate it to a member of your family who either died or fought in the First World War.

“Then add a length of green ribbon eight inches long and half an inch wide sewn into a loop and stitched to the back of the poppy.

“This will be the link to loop another poppy in place, just like a daisy chain. How you design and decorate your poppy is your choice.”

There will be displays from Ramnoth and Nene School children remembering many of Fenland’s fallen heroes including Sgt Robert Rawling of Ramnoth Road, Walsoken, who was awarded the Military Medal for his role in the attack on the Schwaben Redoubt at Thiepval on October 14-15 1916.

Rawling distinguished himself when all the machine guns, except his, were put out of action, yet he repulsed the German counter attack on his own.

He was killed in action near St Julien on July 31, 1917, and is listed on the Ypres Memorial.

The painting competition, which has a Poppies theme, will be judged by artist Lucille Carter. Entry forms are available from Button Up and Stitch, Market Street, Wisbech. All entries will be on display in the church.

Schedule: Friday September 12 - 10am-4pm, 1920s tea party and sing-a-long with entertainment by Two Dollies.

Saturday September 13 - 10am-4pm, 1920s tea party and sing-a-long with Roy McManus.

Sunday September 14. The church will be open from 10am-3pm.