Leigh veterans create a moving memorial with 1,800 poppies to honour war heroes
The memorial, created by local veterans, features 1,800 poppies commemorating those who fell during the First World War and white crosses representing casualties from the Second World War through to the present day.
Wigan borough veterans have been working on an ambitious and meaningful project to transform a roundabout into a memorial honouring those who lost their lives in military service.
The memorial in Leigh is part of a Reeva Programme CIC project called Our Woodland Makers group, which provides veterans and emergency service leavers with an opportunity to come together through woodworking, crafting and other creative activities.
The group offers a supportive environment where people can develop new skills, build friendships and work towards a shared goal.
Recently, the members been working on a breath-taking memorial located outside Leigh Leopards’ stadium to commemorate the lives lost during war and the sacrifices that were made.
The memorial features white crosses representing casualties from the Second World War through to the present day, approximately 1,800 poppies commemorating those who fell during the First World War and four Tommy figures positioned at the centre of the display, creating a focal point for remembrance.
Martyn Leech, Leigh Leopards’ community development manager and foundation veterans lead, said: “As a veteran myself, remembrance means a great deal to me. It's about remembering friends, comrades and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“It was a pleasure to be involved in the transformation of the roundabout on behalf of Leigh Leopards Foundation. This has been a fantastic community effort, and the support and kind words from people passing by have been outstanding.
“It's important that we take the time to remember those who have served, those who continue to serve and those who made the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations could enjoy the freedoms we have today.
“For many veterans and their families, remembrance is much more than one day in the calendar. It's about remembering friends, comrades and loved ones, recognising the sacrifices made and ensuring their stories are never forgotten.
“Projects like this bring our community together, give people an opportunity to show their respect and help keep that spirit of remembrance alive.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed so far. This really is a community effort and something we can all be proud of."
George Brooks, director of Reeva Programme CIC, said: “What makes this project particularly special is that every element is being created by local veterans themselves. Through their time, dedication and craftsmanship, they are creating a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring their service and sacrifice are not forgotten.
“This project is about more than creating a memorial. It is an opportunity for veterans to give something back to their community, honour their fellow service personnel and demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.
“We are incredibly proud of the commitment shown by our Woodland Makers group, The Reet Good collective, The Darren Deady Foundation, St John's Church of England Primary School, Hindley Green, Leigh Army Cadets and Leigh Air Cadets, and hope this project will become a meaningful place of remembrance for the local community.”