Poppy Seed Sowing Across Wrexham For World War One Commemoration

Over 150,000 Royal British Legion Flanders poppies will be sown in Wrexham as part of the commemorations of the 100 anniversary of the outbreak of WW1.

Every school in the county borough has been sent a pack of 2,800 seeds by the Armed Forces Champion, Cllr David Griffiths that have been kindly donated by B&Q

Cllr David Griffiths, said: “I have written to each primary school enclosing a pack of 2,800 seeds and asked them to get involved in this local initiative to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of World War One by sowing the poppy seeds. That is a total of 156,800 seeds to sow across Wrexham. As a council we have also been planting seeds around the county borough in appropriate public areas. What we would really like to see is Wrexham awash with beautiful red poppies in a few months’ time!”

Schools are also being asked to send the Council their photos of pupils planting the seeds, and, of course when the seeds grow and flower we would love to receive more pictures of the finished landscape. If schools send in photos we will use our social media to raise awareness of their good work.

This year Wrexham is hosting the North Wales Armed Forces Day for 2014. The event will take place on Saturday 21st June in the town centre.

Lesley Griffiths, Minister for Local Government and Government Issues, said: “The poppy is a poignant and important symbol of remembrance for those who lost their lives in the First World War. Sowing poppy seeds across the County is a wonderful idea and providing seeds to all primary schools in the area is an excellent way to teach our youngest children about the sacrifices made on their behalf by so many people 100 years ago.

“It also complements the Welsh Government’s co-ordinated First World War centenary Programme, Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 and will raise awareness of the Programme.”

Kevin Forbes, Community fundraiser added: “We want to see members of the public making this campaign their own in their local communities, working in collaboration with local government, schools and community groups. It is so simple to participate and will mark the moment which changed history.

“The donation that will come from the B&Q arrangement will assist our all round fundraising necessary to continue to support the £1.6 million spend in support of ‘the armed forces family’. £1 per packet will be donated to Poppy Appeal.”