Publication Date: 07-11-2022 09:00
Poignant poppy display created by Oxfordshire children
To commemorate our fallen soldiers this Remembrance Day, a touching display of poppies has appeared at Bellway’s new development in Cholsey, Oxfordshire. Staying true to its name, Poppy Fields at Yew Tree Gardens now showcases a beautiful sea of red symbolism, created and planted by local children from Cholsey Primary School. The children planted the poppies on Friday 4th November alongside Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum (SOFO) supporter, Ted Eveleigh and Bellway’s Sales Director, Emma Jones, and two sales executives, Allan Christopher-Freeman and Georgia Healy.
In preparation for this powerful project, the children had been learning about the history behind Remembrance Sunday in the classroom and for some, this was the first they had heard about the day and the meaning behind it. A total of 49 children enjoyed a poppy workshop where they created the wonderful artwork from recycled plastic bottles. The children were then invited to Poppy Fields to plant their creations, producing a spectacular scene of remembrance and emotive tributes to all soldiers, past and present. The children also experienced a memorable speech from Ted of SOFO who taught the pupils about the importance of Remembrance Day, and why it is still honoured in contemporary times. SOFO, a popular war museum on the doorstep of Blenheim Park, tells interactive stories of how conflict has affected the county and its people, from soldiers serving on the front lines to ordinary people living on the Home Front.
Ted Eveleigh commented: “I was delighted to have been involved in this day of commemoration and to honour those who so bravely served in the military. It is absolutely crucial that we continue celebrating their legacy and ensure the younger generations know the importance of Remembrance Day and its meaning. The children did a wonderful job creating and planting their poppies!”
Headteacher of Cholsey Primary School, Heidi McSweeney commented: “This has been a wonderful project for the children to be involved in and being able to meet and hear from Ted was such a fascinating experience for all of us. Our students worked really hard on the poppies, demonstrating their creativity and interest in history. We particularly enjoyed the environmental angle of using recycled materials; another important topic in the classroom. It also allowed us to have interesting conversations about what Remembrance Day means to us, our families, our community and why it is remains such an important day of celebration and memory.”
The vibrant display can be found at the front of Poppy Fields for visitors to enjoy. As one of its key beliefs, Bellway values the importance of working closely with communities to enhance neighbourhoods with the amenities and local support needed.
Emma Jones, Sales Director commented: “This event was a wonderful way for the local community to connect and we are thrilled that we could host such a significant event at Poppy Fields. The colourful display provides a great way for the children, our staff and visitors to pay their respects and we are so thankful to Cholsey Primary School and Ted Eveleigh for their hard work in making this project happen.”
Poppy Fields comprises two, three and four bedroom homes as well as two bedroom bungalows and one bedroom maisonettes, appealing to families, first-time buyers, and commuters travelling to London and Oxford. The development benefits from a new show home which is open for prospective buyers to visit by appointment.
Prices at Poppy Fields start from £429,000 for a two-bedroom home. For more information, visit https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/thames-valley/poppy-fields-at-yew-tree-gardens or call 01491 378 985.
