A crowd of over one hundred people, including Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson, veterans and local councillors, gathered on Saturday 14th October for the official unveiling of A Field of Poppies – the West Cornforth community’s handmade tribute to the British soldiers killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme.
The project, originally to knit 7,117 popies representing County Durham soldiers killed in the First World War, was the brain-child of Army veteran, Andy Denholm.
But it was taken up with such enthusiasm by, not only the local community, but contributors from as far away as Canada and Australia, that the target was very quickly exceeded and the new target set.
That target too was surpassed with almost 23,000 poppies eventually being knitted. The remainder have been used to create wreaths and, prior to the unveiling, to adorn fences in the local community. Locally, ‘Team Poppy’ was charged with creating the finished commemoration, unveiled at the weekend. Eleanor Williams of the team said: “It was a lovely way to get people together and we had a lot of laughs along the way, singing songs and telling stories. “It’s wonderful to see the finished display. We all feel emotional.”
Local MP, Phil Wilson said: “I think it’s amazing and such a fitting tribute to all of the men and boys who lost their lives.
“The people of West Cornforth and all those involved should be extremely proud of what they have achieved.”
Mr Denholm said: “The community here is fantastic and gave up their time so readily. I have been overwhelmed by the support this project has received.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported the project.
“I would also like to thank Durham and Tees Valley Scaffolding. Without their kind donation of the scaffolding we would not have been able to have this spectacular unveiling ceremony.
“From a personal point of view, this is an experience I will never forget all my life.”
A Field of Poppies will remain on display at the Church Hall in Vicarage Road, West Cornforth until after Remembrance Sunday, when the nets will be handed over to Rev Gary Norman to hold as custodian.
Ferryhill & Chilton's local community newspaper.
