Four thousand poppies created by pupils across Ruthin will be unveiled this weekend (July 8) as part of a series of events to honour the town’s fallen heroes of World War I.
Organised by Ruthin Community Group with funding from Heritage Lottery World War I programme and the Big Lottery Awards for All, the events are part of an inter-generational project that has brought children and adults together to commemorate the centenary of Mametz Wood, the first battle of the Somme.
Darren Millar AM joined pupils and staff at Ysgol Brynhyfryd to view the children’s display of poppies on Friday. The following day, July 9, school pupils from the town and surrounding villages will parade through Ruthin carrying their handcrafted poppies, commemorating the 4,000 Welshmen who either lost their lives or were injured in the battle.
The parade is just part of a packed programme at Ysgol Brynhyfryd and Theatr John Ambrose over the weekend including a living history camp with re-enactors, interactive events where over 16s can enlist, and a rolling programme of concerts and historical talks on both days.
Ron Bell, events organiser for Ruthin Community Group, explained: “The commemorations, from the poppies made by the town’s children to the memories day, were designed to bring all generations together and the support from the community has been amazing.
“The aim is to help people not only remember World War I but to learn about the sacrifice their predecessors made for their freedoms. There will be a huge range of fun events on the weekend, including concerts and talks in Theatr John Ambrose, re-enactments and men can even enlist and take the King’s Shilling!”
Primary school pupils across the town and surrounding villages have spent months creating poppies for the parade, while students from Ysgol Brynhyfryd have also created a commemorative book, supported by local historian Geraint Owain, and a DVD of people’s memories.
Mr Millar AM described the display as ‘evocative’. “Each poppy represents a Welsh soldier and it is humbling to be here with the children to remember this very important battle,” he said.
Ysgol Brynhyfryd headteacher Geraint Wyn Parry added that the display, which fills the entrance of the school, would be reinstated every Remembrance Day.
The Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the Wales, Richard Bellamy, said: “The impact of the First World War was far reaching, touching every corner of the UK. Since April 2010, the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded over £5.5million to 90 projects that are marking this global Centenary. With our grant programmes, we are enabling even more communities to explore the continuing legacy of this conflict and broaden their understanding of how it has shaped the world”.
Following the weekend an eight-week long exhibition that will be held in Ruthin Library telling the story of the part Ruthin played in World War I.
Copies of the book and DVD will be presented to schools in the county, Denbighshire Libraries and Archives, the People’s Collection of Wales and the film will be uploaded to Ruthin Community Group website.
The ‘Crossing the Divide’ Poppy Parade will take place on Saturday July 9at 10.30am from St Peter’s Church and ending at Ysgol Brynhyfryd.
For further details visit: www.ruthincommunitygroup.co.uk or http://www.facebook.com/WW1-Ruthin