Rayleigh and Wickford MP and former Armed Forces Minister Mark Francois recently attended a special ceremony to mark the installation of a waterfall of 12,000 hand-made poppies on display outside Holy Trinity Church, Rayleigh - to mark the centenary of the First World War Armistice.
The 12,000 knitted poppies were created by a variety of residents, community groups and clubs, alongside Rayleigh Town Council. Included in the display, were the names of those soldiers from Rayleigh who died fighting for their country.
Mark was joined at the ceremony by the Reverend David Oxtoby, the Rector of Holy Trinity and Chairman of Rayleigh Town Council, Cllr Jack Lawmon, to see the unveiling of the poppy waterfall and to pay their respects to those who fought in the War.
Commenting on the poppy waterfall, Mark said:
“The poppy waterfall at Holy Trinity Church is a poignant tribute to those who died fighting for their Country during World War One. The craftsmanship that went into the 12,000 knitted poppies is an excellent example of the strong community we have in Rayleigh. I would like to commend all those individuals and community groups and even the mother of my own PA, Adele, who lives in Cheltenham and knitted some poppies for this display as well. I hope very many people have the opportunity to visit Holy Trinity Church to see this wonderful commemorative display, over the next couple of weeks. Lest we forget.”