MP Steve Barclay supported a Wisbech church in its efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.
Friends of St Augustine’s created a chain of poppies which was hung around the church during the recent heritage weekend to commemorate the sacrifice of the men and women of the town who lost their lives during the Great War.
The Friends and groups associated with the church worked to create 281 poppies – one for every name on the town’s war memorial from the First World War – using an array of materials and craft skills including knitting and crochet.
Mr Barclay joined the official opening of the Poppy Link, which was performed by Richard Barnwell, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, who cut an appropriately red ribbon to mark the occasion.
The community also got involved in making poppies using fabric, wool or felt. On the back of each poppy was attached a small name tag and anyone who contributed a poppy could dedicate it to a family member who either died or fought in WW1, or any other conflict.
The poppy chain will come out every Armistice Day so it is not left and forgotten.
The Church also ran a poppies-themed painting competition for all age groups. All the pictures were displayed in the church over the heritage weekend.
Mr Barclay said: “The Poppy Link is a truly innovative idea and I was really impressed to see it on show. The paintings also made an eye-catching display and I congratulate the Friends for all their hard work.”
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