A CAMPAIGN is underway to encourage people in Leicester to commemorate Remembrance Day by creating poppy-themed artwork, cakes or other artefacts.
The office of the Leicester Lord Mayor has launched the Post a Poppy campaign, encouraging people to bake cakes, draw pictures or even plant Remembrance-themed flowers, and to send in photographs of their works, with plans to then include them in a Remembrance display in the city centre and online.
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the traditional Remembrance Day services at the Arch of Remembrance and Leicester Market will not go ahead this year, and instead people are being called upon to commemorate this year in new and creative ways.
This year’s remembrance events will focus on a range of opportunities for reflection, including getting involved in online commemorations, personal reflections or activities at home.
Leicester Lord Mayor, Cllr Annette Byrne, said: “Like many events on the city’s calendar this year, we are going to have to approach Remembrance Day differently, through alternative ways to commemorate those who’ve lost their lives in conflict.
“As part of that we are encouraging people to get involved in our “Post a Poppy” campaign, by sending us a picture of themselves with their poppy, or even make a poppy to wear, bake a poppy cake or make a poppy display in your garden.
“Although this year’s commemorations have to be different, they need not be any less heartfelt or sincere, and we’d still love people to get involved in whatever way they can.”
Photos and other creative Remembrance Day ideas for the Post a Poppy campaign can be sent to the Lord Mayor’s office at lord.mayor@leicester.gov.uk
Other events include a BBC Radio Leicester Remembrance Day programme to be broadcast on Sunday, November 8, at 10.30am. It will feature personal stories and information from those who have fought in different conflicts, along with a message from the Bishop of Leicester, as well as two minutes’ silence at 11am.
The Arch of Remembrance in Victoria Park will be illuminated in red.
The Royal British Legion, which is behind the annual Poppy Appeal, has also shared ideas for alternative ways for people to mark Remembrance Day in 2020, including creating a Remembrance space in the garden; using social media to take part safely in Remembrance services or activities; or by creating an online exhibition of photos or artwork which can be used to explore local remembrance.
This year’s Poppy Appeal is online, but families can still get involved by downloading and colouring in a Remembrance Poppy to display in their window as a show of support. Visit the Royal British Legion website for more information.
Leicester City Council has a long-standing commitment to help members and former members of the Armed Forces community, through the Armed Forces Covenant, which focuses on removing disadvantages so armed forces service personnel, past and present, get the same treatment and access to services as the civilian community. The city council last re-signed the covenant in 2018.
(Ends)