THE haunting melody of the Last Post echoed around a school courtyard yesterday in fitting tribute to the work of staff and students who created a field of remembrance.
Months of work went into the poignant art installation composed of 1,250 ceramic poppies, many featuring messages dedicated to family injured and killed in conflicts around the world.
Students at Risedale Sports and Community College, Hipswell, Catterick Garrison, were joined by community and army dignitaries for a special service of remembrance, the culmination of Poppy Project 2015.
The idea of school service children advocates Helen Porritt and Ewan Thomson, the project recreated the celebrated Sea of Poppies at the Tower of London.
The school’s ceramicist Sheila Plews, Helen and Ewan developed a prototype poppy which was then individually crafted by students from Risedale and a host of other local schools and organisations.
These included Hipswell, Le Cateau, Hunton and Arrathorne primary schools, Mowbray School, The Dales School, The Young at Heart Club (Colburn), The Green Howards Association, Hanson Sports and Social Club and the Hunton Steam Gathering.
Vicar of Hipswell Andrew Cromarty conducted a service of remembrance and the Last Post and Reveille was played by army bugler Lance Sergeant Tony Oliver, a Coldstream Guard serving with the drum wing of the Army School Ceremonial.
Rev Cromarty said: “It is so important to remember those who died in the service of our country and to make sure that we are worthy of their sacrifice in our lives.”
All the poppies have been sold raising £5,000 for the Royal British Legion. A cheque was handed over to RBL county chairman Elwyn Pickering. Orders have been received from as far away as New Zealand and Brazil.
He said: “This is absolutely fabulous. Our injured soldiers will need decades of support and I was stunned when I saw Risedale’s sea of poppies. It means everything to see such a tribute.”
Mrs Porritt said: “Almost half of our students are from forces families and another 25 per cent are ex-military so the Royal British Legion is a cause very close to our hearts.
“An incredible amount of hard work has gone into this project but one glance at our sea of poppies shows it has been worthwhile.”
Mr Thomson added: “It has been such a lovely community project and we have received letters and stories from around the world recalling war-time memories.”
Student and Army Cadet Charlie Mitchell, 15, said: “It is really important to remember the work of our soldiers and we feel very proud to have been part of this poppy project.”
Catterick Garrison commander Lt Col Mark Steed was among dignitaries invited to the service. He said: “Military operations over the past ten years have brought home the significance of Remembrance Day and I think Risedale’s sea of poppies is an incredible tribute to the sacrifice of servicemen and an example of the close links that exist between the community and the Forces.”