Shirehampton, Bristol Poppies On The Green Display Makes An Impact

Once again the organisers in Shirehampton for ‘Poppies On The Green’ have made an impact locally with their latest display that was placed on The Green this Tuesday 7th November, with the help of volunteers.

Each year local communities within the four villages area join in the ‘painting poppies sessions’ that were held at the High Street Market, Shirehampton Craft Exhibition, the Community Living Room, Cotswold Community Centre and St. Mary’s Church.

Red and purple poppies were painted by young children, right through the generations to 80 years plus. This Community Display has grown and this year over 600 painted poppies have been added to the main display.

This year also sees the addition of two silhouette soldiers, Paddy and Bill, joining Reg and Les. All served in WWI or WWII and lived in Shirehampton. This humanises the display, being real people who are related to the organisers and volunteers. They are also part of our local history. Another two silhouettes will be added in 2024.

Several High Street shops and businesses have been chosen to showcase a window display, to be part of “Poppies On The Green”, whilst volunteers from Shire Greens have also added a display at Shirehampton Railway Station and a new “Poppies On The Green” display is being added to the Daisy Field this year by the War Horse Memorial with the help of Friends Of Lamplighters Marsh.

Feedback has been extremely positive with one gentleman saying “Thanking everyone involved. The display is a great memoriam to all” as he was passing by on Tuesday and another stopped his van and shouted across the road to say “What a great job you are doing. Respect to you all.”

Each year more and more people travel to Shirehampton to see the “Poppies On The Green” to remember the fallen and take photos. The display will remain on The Green in Shirehampton until Thursday afternoon 16th November, where it will be packed away safely until next year.