INMATES at a dale prison have helped to upcycle hundreds of poppies to help raise money for charity ahead of Remembrance Sunday.
Barnard Castle Town Council joined forces with Deerbolt Young Offenders’ Institution, in Startforth, to refurbish old poppy stock with glitter.
The work was completed by a small team of young men who are employed in the prison’s workshops.
Barnard Castle Town Council services officer and honorary organiser for the Poppy Appeal, Yvette Farren, said: “We had a lot of centenary poppies left over from last year.
“We thought what could we do to upcycle them? We have quite a good relationship with Deerbolt so we got in touch with them.”
The Mid-Teesdale Project Partnership provided the money for the glitter and the glue. Ms Farren said: “Sales are going really well. I think the lads at the prison did about 1,700 poppies and we are getting pretty low on the stock. That is only one week in. The generosity of people is unbelievable.”
HMP and YOI Deerbolt industry manager, Del Fiddes, said: “We are keen to support the excellent work of The Royal British Legion and hope that this small recycling project makes a contribution to those who have served our country.
“Whilst completing the work, we encourage the individuals to reflect on what Armistice Day means and the importance of showing our respect and making a positive contribution to the society we live in.”
Remembrance services
SERVICES are being held across Teesdale this Sunday, November 10, to remember the fallen.
In Barnard Castle, a service is being held at St Mary’s Church.
All those wishing to attend should be seated by 10.45am ready for a two minute silence at 10.58am after which the service will begin.
There will be a parade along Newgate to the war memorial at The Bowes Museum at 11.40am. Those taking part should meet in the church car park at 11.30am. A further act of remembrance will take place in the grounds of The Bowes Museum at around midday.
Holy Trinity Church, in Startforth, will be hosting a remembrance service at 10.30am.
A remembrance tea is being held in Stainton in the village hall which will open at 10.30am.
A service will be held at 11am and will include wreath laying in the memorial garden next to the hall. Tea, sandwiches and cake will be served afterwards.
A vintage vocalist will perform two 30-minute sets. The first will begin at 11.30am and the second will start at 12.30pm. The Last Post will be sounded by Andrew Bainbridge at 1pm.
All are welcome to attend a service at The Pathway in Middleton-in-Teesdale at 10am. This will be followed by a ceremony at the war memorial at 11am.
A service will take place at the war memorial at St Mary’s Church in Gainford at 11.45am.
A service of remembrance will take place at the war memorial in West Auckland at 3pm.
Those wishing to take part in the parade should meet outside the old post office at 2.45pm. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the parish rooms in Monteith Close
The Remembrance Day service for Evenwood, Evenwood Gate and Ramshaw will this year be held in the Cornerstone Christian Centre at 10am followed by commemoration at the war memorial in Evenwood cemetery.
The people’s poppies, images of those who perished in World War Two and a small display of the communities during 1939-45 will be in St. Paul’s Church.
These displays will be open for personal reflection and viewing from 1pm till 3pm on Sunday and from 11am till 1pm on Monday, November 11.
