A 92 year old former army lance corporal unveiled a spectacular cascade of poppies created at a care home to honour “The Fallen”.
The 1,111 poppies have gone on display alongside the metal silhouette statue of an unknown British Tommy in the grounds of Pendine Park’s Gwern Alyn care home in Wrexham.
The number of poppies marks the date and time of the Armistice in World War One on November 11, 1918 – the 11th hour, of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Cliff Perkins, who served in the South Staffordshire regiment, said: “It is important to recognise the contribution of the heroes who fought for their country in both world wars and in subsequent conflicts.
“I served in peacetime for two years based in Menden, Germany. I was lucky enough not to have to go into battle but many do. We should never forget the debt we owe them.
“This poppy display is one of the loveliest I have seen in all my years. Well done to everyone who made it possible. I salute them.”
The beautiful display was put together by Gwern Alyn manager Cindy Clutton, using bright red, weather-proof artificial poppies.
Cindy said: “I used exactly 1,111 poppies to mark the Remembrance Day date of the 11th of the 11th.
“We always try to do something each year on Remembrance Day. It is important to our residents and their families, a number of whom are armed services veterans. It is also the desire of everyone in our team to ensure the day does not go unmarked.”
Last year she created the display in the gardens of Hillbury House, Pendine Park’s sister care home next door to Gwern Alyn, but this year it was decided to have the exhibit at the front of Gwern Alyn.
Cindy said: “On previous occasions we have also done a purple poppy display in memory of the working animals who served during the war.”
She added: “Over the years we have had a number of residents who served in World War II, and others who, like Cliff, are veterans of the Services in peacetime. Services men and women do great work in so many areas including in civil emergencies and disaster relief. They put themselves at risk to help others whenever we need them and it is only right that we pay tribute to them for all they do.”
On leaving the Forces Cliff studied French at university and then lived for a year in Bordeaux, south France, where he met his French-born wife Monique, now 96, and also a resident of Gwern Alyn.
He later became a French teacher, at first working at schools in the Midlands and then moving to North Wales. They have two sons, a daughter and seven grandchildren.
Cliff said: “We immediately settled here and knew we were going to stay. My only regret is not having learned Welsh.”
He laughed: “But I suppose there is still time!”
Fellow residents John Neal and John Hughes also praised the poppy exhibit.
John Neal’s father, George Neal, was a veteran of the First World War and served in the Coldstream Guards.
John, 95, who once ran a guesthouse in Llandudno, said: “Seeing the poppy display brings back so many memories of my father. He was one of only two men from his original battalion who survived the Trenches, and one of only 15 out of 1,021 men in his regiment who lived to return from the horrors of the Somme.
George was born in 1890 and joined the Coldstream Guards in 1908, initially serving at Buckingham Palace. When World War I broke out he was sent to the Front.
John said: “The conditions were brutal. I remember he always had problems with his feet in later years after having to spend 18 days up to his knees in water as rain hit the trenches.”
John, who lost his wife, Rose, two years ago, has two grown up sons, Stephen and David.
He said: “Steve was very close to his grandfather and did some research into his service during the war. It is so important not to forget the fallen and those who have selflessly served in both World Wars and subsequent conflicts. They sacrificed so much for us that it is only right we take some time each year to remember them.”
Fellow resident John Hughes, who served with the RAF military police in Germany, agreed.
His wife, Barbara, said: “In previous years John always made a special effort to attend the local Remembrance Services. He usually went to the service at Gresford Church. He believes it’s only right that we should express our thanks to those who lost their lives so that we could live in peace.
“Seeing this poppy display at Gwern Alyn brings us both such joy. It is a truly beautiful display and offers a way for those residents like my husband who would now struggle to attend wider community services to still pay their respects.
“We’re hugely thankful to Cindy and the team for making this possible.”
