Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Hundreds of handmade poppies created by people across the Crewkerne area will form a special Remembrance display at Crewkerne railway station, honouring those who have lost their lives in conflicts.
The project, organised by the Friends of Crewkerne Station, has attracted an enthusiastic response from the local community, with contributions from the Henhayes Centre, village Knit and Natter groups, U3A, the British Legion and numerous individuals.
Volunteers have attached the poppies to netting ready for display at two locations around the station.
Following consultation with the station manager, one display will be installed on the back railings of the up platform, with a larger arrangement on the sloping bank beside the car park.
A larger silhouette of a soldier, made and supplied by ARK of Egwood, will form the centrepiece of the display.
The volunteers also plan to include an area of white poppies, symbolising the wish for peace in a troubled world.
Many of those involved in the project belong to the baby boomer generation, with parents who served in the Second World War and grandparents who fought in the First World War.
The Friends of Crewkerne Station will officially open the display with a short presentation and the playing of the Last Post at 11am on Thursday, 29th October.
The poppies will remain on display for the fortnight leading up to Remembrance Day.
On Wednesday, 11th November, a further gathering will take place on the platform, featuring a reading of a war poem followed by two minutes’ silence.
People from Crewkerne and surrounding communities served by the Blackmore Vale Community Rail Partnership are invited to visit the station, view the display and take a few moments to remember those who sacrificed their lives in conflicts.
( Photo: Friends of Crewkerne Station 📸 )