THIS is the stunning poppy tribute created by community groups and schoolchildren at a church to mark the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day.

The wall of poppies runs up the brickwork on the tower of All Saints Church in Rainford.

They are accompanied by ceramic poppies and a silent soldier silhouette on the church grounds. These were made by Rainford scouts and include the names of soldiers from the village who died in the First World War.

All the churches in the village have joined together for the project ahead of an ecumenical service on Sunday, November 11 at All Saints.

And the striking image of the red poppy tower is capturing the imagination of the St Helens community after pictures were shared on social media.

Reverend Janet Heighton, vicar of All Saints Church, said: "The church council wanted the community to mark the 100th anniversary with something special and involve as many people as possible.

"It was a member of the congregation who came up with the idea of what I called the 'tower poppies'.

"I think there are between 4,000 and 5,000 poppies on the tower. It is very poignant."

The poppies were attached to a net that was draped down the wall. The design appears as though they are running into the fields of ceramic poppies in the church's gardens.

 

A field of ceramic poppies at All Saints church (picture: Steve Samosa)

The vicar hopes the display and a series of events next week at the church will give people of the village a chance for "silent reflection" on the lives lost to war and "promote a message of peace".

Cllr Linda Mussell, who represents the Rainford ward, said: "I think it's a really good example of how Rainford has pulled together at a time when it is really important.

"It has involved the churches, the scouts, the schoolchildren, the brownies and the boy's brigade.

"Inside the church are tributes to all the Rainforders killed in the wars.

"I think as a reference point for the tribute they took the display of poppies at the Tower on London.

"As a councillor it makes me feel really proud to see what people have done of their own volition. We have a parade every year but this is extra special to mark the centenary."

 
  • The stunning tower of poppies is a special tribute ahead of the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day

Martin Cox, of the 1st Rainford Scout Group, said: "It has been an initiative led by All Saints – but it has involved every church in Rainford ahead of the ecumenical service (any Christian faith) on Remembrance Sunday.

"The scouts went out the other night to place the ceramic poppies and, to be honest, I couldn't be prouder. They have really taken it on board."

Between 10am and 4pm on Friday (November 9) and Saturday (November 10) All Saints Church in Rainford will be opening its doors so that the public can visit an exhibition which details Rainford soldiers who died in the First World War.

On Sunday the ecumenical remembrance service takes place at 10.30am, with bell-ringing at 12.30pm as part of a national event. A thanksgiving service will take place from 4pm.