Bringing communities together to commemorate the nation’s heroes, children from a primary school in Telford have made 420 poppies as part of Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion’s Pin Your Poppy project.
Talking to the pupils about the importance of remembrance, thanking them for getting involved and collecting the poppies, Assistant PCC Steve Mackay visited Apley Wood Primary Academy on Friday (8 November).
The poppies will now be pinned onto Telford’s Unknown Tommy statue, made by The British Ironwork Centre in Shropshire.
The Tommy, which has been at Malinsgate police station over the past month, has been reunited with other statues that have stood outside police stations across West Mercia.
Together at West Mercia Police Headquarters, all six Unknown Tommies are displaying poppies created by communities in Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire as part of Remembrance Day commemorations.
Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said: “I launched this project two years ago to bring communities together whilst recognising the nation’s heroes.
“West Mercia Police has a proud tradition of welcoming ex-servicemen and women into its ranks, so I wanted to mark their service through my Pin Your Poppy project.
“Launched two years ago, I have been so proud and humbled to see the overwhelming response by local schools, community groups and residents but 420 poppies from one school is definitely a record!
“I would like to thank the pupils and teachers at Apley Wood Primary Academy for getting involved. I’m sure it has also been a great opportunity for the next generation to learn more about the men and women who gave their lives to protect the democracy and freedom we enjoy every day.”
Apley Primary Academy said: “The children have been delighted to have the privilege to share their respect with the wider community by contributing to the pin your poppy project.”
Photo shows: Gemma Craig, Year 2 Teacher and History Subject Leader at Apley Wood Primary Academy and APCC Steve Mackay alongside pupils from the academy.
