Poppy waves of love in Wigan community for armed forces

A beautiful tribute to those who have served in the armed forces is once again taking place this year but with a difference.
Thrive’s ‘We Love NHS’ displayThrive’s ‘We Love NHS’ display
Thrive’s ‘We Love NHS’ display

Hindley residents are helping to create “Poppy Waves” this November to mark Armistice Day.

The project, which is being led by Thrive CIC, will build on last year’s incredible efforts.

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The poppy waves last year included thousands of handmade plastic flowers, which were displayed outside Hindley landmarks such as the library, St John’s CE Church and St Peter’s CE Church.

The ‘Remembrance Sunday’ project, which is being run in partnership with the local community in Hindley and Hindley Green, would usually see people from all different walks of life joining in to create the poppy waves.

But this year is different due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the group have created free downloadable packs for schools, community groups and families to do their own poppy waves.

Sam Broxton, of Thrive CIC, said that people can still be involved if they want to be and have their own window packs. Sam said: “Three years ago we began the ‘Poppy Waves’ in Hindley and Hindley Green with great inspiration from the town of Fleetwood.

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“It’s wonderful to see over the years waves bobbing up all over the borough and so many people coming together.

“We still have many of the fantastic waves up around the community which were made over the years and we have continued to add to them this year despite the barriers. Usually we have people from all different walks of life joining us to create the poppy waves together. However, in the current situation we cannot do it in the same way so we knew we had to get our thinking caps on.

“From that came a new group called the ‘Poppy People’ which is a small group of community minded people who have joined ranks to create the Poppy Wave window packs so that people can still be involved if they’d like to be.

“We’ve created a free downloadable pack which currently schools, community groups and many families are accessing.”

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For anyone who can’t access the downloadable packs, the group with the help of local councillors, are offering pre-made packs including resources which they can deliver safely to people’s door.

At their new building, The Old TSB Bank, on Market street, the group are also proudly displaying the “WE LOVE NHS” sign thanks to the Friends of Cherry Gardens.

As well as this the group will also be posting virtual craft videos which anyone and everyone can access with Remembrance Sunday activities to do from home.

These can all be accessed by visiting the YouTube channel Thrive Hindley.

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Thrive members have also been busy both from home and on-site making bespoke poppy gifts such as wooden plaques, clay poppies and crochet poppy pins.

People can also purchase by visiting their Facebook page Thrive CIC.

All funds will go directly to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

For more information you can email [email protected]

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