Poignant Poppy Placements for Remembrance
Displays of poppies are appearing throughout Sleaford and many other parts of the District for Remembrance activities this weekend. For the first time in the town, a projection of falling poppies will be cast onto St Denys’ Church from dusk on the evenings of Friday, November 7 to Tuesday, November 11. This serves as a moving tribute to the losses from two World Wars and other conflicts.
Projection Installation and Funding
The projection is an installation led by the District Council, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity fund, which has also supported recent local events. It complements efforts to enhance and improve accessibility to the town’s War Memorial, located in the newly designed Market Place. Visitors can sit quietly in the dark and reflect on the slow fall of the poppies.
Community Art and Displays
- A striking display of about 4,000 poppies made from wool, felt, and plastic decorates the Wyvern Barrier at Monument Gardens on Southgate.
- Large willow sculptures created by William Alvey School pupils are placed in planters nearby.
- Poppies also adorn trees at Riverside precinct and other locations around the town.
Community Participation and Additional Displays
This extensive community project is led by the Sleaford Branch of the Royal British Legion and supported by the District Council. The RBL has placed poppies as waymarkers along the River Slea, linking to Cogglesford Watermill, where volunteers have installed another display. To accommodate visitors, opening hours have been extended to 5 PM.
“People can sit in peace in the dark and reflect on the slow cycle of the falling poppies.”
Summary: Sleaford commemorates Remembrance with creative poppy displays and projections, combining community art and solemn reflection to honor those lost in conflicts.