This project was the brainchild of Lauren Mouatt, a Learning Mentor at Five Acres, who is from a family of Ex British Servicemen, she wanted to Honour our War Heroes by making an amazing piece of Artwork.
Over the last few weeks Five Acres produced 4,414 poppies from upcycled plastic bottles to commemorate each life lost on D-Day. We replicated a ‘poppy field’, similar to the display at the Tower of London, and it was showcased at our Day Centre which is located within ROF 59 – which was, ironically, a Royal Ordnance Factory during the War.
The poppies were hand crafted by Five Acres Staff and our Champions with help from a group of Students from the local UTC College, a work experience student Polly Collins from St Johns RC School with help from local businesses including: Husqvarna, Workshop Supplies and Gestamp who have also supported us by providing plastic bottles and red paint.
We held our D-Day Event last Wednesday, 5th June, and were joined by Parents & Carers, Family & Friends including Veterans from SSAFA, Mike Donne, the former MP for Sedgefield Paul Howell, The Deputy Mayor & Consort of Newton Aycliffe, Joanne & Neville Jones, all laid wreaths of remembrance.
We would like to thank Ruth Wright and Arthur for playing the bagpipes, Don Walkers Butchers, Tracey from the Co-op, Nikki from Bentleys, Carrie Howarth from Newton News,
Shirley (Tesco’s Community Champion) for the refreshments. Wendy Etheridge (volunteer). Tiaba (BBC Radio Tees & BBC TV) was also present for the event – those wishing to listen to see the footage please go on to Five Acres Community Garden Facebook site and follow the link.
It was a truly brilliant, emotional day for all.
