Care home residents honour 'evolution of the Poppy' for Remembrance Day

Residents of Woldhaven Residential Home in Pocklington have been creating artwork to interpret how the Royal British Legion's poppy has evolved over the past 100 years.

Each year the residents of Woldhaven work on a joint project which honours Remembrance Day, this year’s project involved using different materials to mirror historical poppies. The concept was thought of entirely by the residents and supported by Activities Coordinator, Catherine Moss.

The residents came together in creative sessions to put their ideas forward, spending several weeks crafting the artwork and finalising the project. Using materials such as recycled clothing, straws, buttons, felt and many more, the residents reimagined poppies from the 1920’s to present day. This project brought about many memories from the residents’ experience of World War Two and the effect of the war on their family members and local communities.

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One of the residents’ favourite pieces was their creation of the ‘War Time Poppy’ using newspaper and cardboard which is similar in some ways to the modern-day poppy. Rosemary, a resident of Woldhaven said that the project ‘’made her feel a part of Remembrance Day.’’ Rosemary’s father was injured during the Second World War and she thinks that the artistic sessions were a cathartic experience for the residents and were extremely important to ‘’remember what happened.’’

Jackie, a Woldhaven resident, said that the project was very meaningful to her. Jackie’s husband Graham, who sadly passed away this October, served in the Royal Air Force and the project was ‘’a wonderful way to honour his legacy.’’ Like many of the residents, Jackie had multiple family members who were on active duty during the Second World War, so the project holds a special place in her heart.

Another resident, Joyce said she ‘’loved crafting the poppies’’ and shared a story of how she saved up her money during her school days to collect all the variations of the poppy.

Colonel Trevor Evans, the Divisional Secretary for Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association (SSAFA) in East Yorkshire has been providing support to the residents of Woldhaven and said that ‘’the project brings the cause to life.’’ Colonel Evans has been with SSAFA for 30 years following his time with the Territorial Army and Pocklington Cadet Force.

Woldhaven’s commemorative project is displayed in the welcome area and features information about the poppy, history books and a donation point. As requested, the artwork will be passed to the Royal British Legion for their archives, something which the residents are extremely proud of.

Councillor Johnathan Owen, East Riding of Yorkshire Council ’s cabinet member for adults, health and care, said: ‘’This is a meaningful project for the residents of Woldhaven which allows them to look back on precious memories whilst expressing the importance of Remembrance Day through creativity.

‘’Using a variety of ‘everyday materials’, the residents have worked as a team to honour the history of the poppy and what it means to many people in the East Riding.

‘’Thank you to the residents of Woldhaven for sharing their stories and I look forward to seeing what people think of this meaningful project.’’