Poppy makeover for hoardings ahead of remembrance event
Hoardings surrounding a construction site in Newcastle town centre are being given a respectful makeover as Remembrance Sunday approaches.
Poppies – a well-known symbol of both remembrance and hope for a peaceful future – are being added to safety fences which are protecting the public and workers while the former York Place shopping centre undergoes an exciting redevelopment by Capital&Centric, on behalf of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, thanks to Town Deal funding.
Residents join Borough Mayor Barry Panter, forces representatives, local organisations and other civic guests at the nearby cenotaph, in Red Lion Square, from 10.50am on Sunday, 10 November for the annual act of remembrance and wreath laying ceremony. Spectators are this year being asked to assemble behind the barriers on the opposite side of the war memorial, by the Art of Siam restaurant.
The pipes and drums of the Black Watch Association lead a parade which leaves Queens Gardens at 9.35am and heads towards St. Giles’ Church for a 10am service.
Council Leader Simon Tagg said:
The annual remembrance church service and parade in Newcastle town centre is always very well attended and once again I hope that residents can join us as we commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two world wars and later conflicts.
The hoardings surrounding the former York Place are there for safety reasons. Hoardings are also often used for advertisement purposes so I thought it would be a good idea to turn this blank canvas into a fitting backdrop for this important event. The poppy is a well-known symbol and worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community.”
The Mayor will take the salute at the top of Castle Walk as the parade makes its way back to Castle House through the Ironmarket.