Rutland Poppy Project 2018
Commemoration of the centenary of the end of The Great War 1918-2018
We would like to invite the local community to get involved with The Rutland Poppy Project. This is a community art work event to commemorate the centenary of the end of The Great War. The Project will bring together members of all sections of the Rutland community over the coming months.
This commemoration will be the most important of its kind for many generations. Underpinning the Project are stories and recollections of this terrible conflict and, even more important, the hope that these appalling events must never happen again. For this to be a realistic hope we want the younger generation, upon whom our future peace will depend, to be involved and to understand the causes and lessons of The Great War.
Together we aim to create a magnificent large scale sculpture formed of up to 10,000 handcrafted poppies, based on the original work by Paul Cummins at the Tower of London. The installation will be in the grounds of Oakham Castle where it will remain on display for a month in October-November 2018.
While the Project is co-ordinated through Catmose College all schools, community groups and businesses in the county are invited to participate.
The Project aims to:
- Bring together all generations within the community
- Raise funds for forces charities
- Improve the lives of those suffering loneliness, mental or physical ill health, through active participation in this community project· Encourage more visitors to come to Rutland.
- Increase awareness of the sacrifice made by our forces
Too often small towns and rural communities miss the opportunity to experience major art projects. We feel passionately that The Rutland Poppy Project will deliver both an inspiring sculpture and a memorable and valuable experience for all generations and abilities across Rutland. It will also give us a focal point and a chance to remember in our County and beyond everyone who gave their lives in the defence of others.
This Project has the support of Sir Lawrence Howard, Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland. We hope that, by working with a wide variety of groups of all ages, the County’s generations will be brought together in a timely reminder of the sacrifice made by so many and the need to reach forward in hope.
There are several ways in which you and your organisation can participate. For more information please contact us via email RutlandPoppyProject2018@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with the project www.facebook.com/RutlandPoppyProject We do very much hope you will feel able to respond positively to this.
