Dismay at theft of white poppy wreaths
Wreaths of white poppies have been stolen from memorials in Bath and Worthing
Friends were dismayed when two white poppy wreaths from the centenary of Armistice Day were stolen from local war memorials. Bath Quakers had their white poppy wreath stolen for the fourth time, according to the Peace Pledge Union (PPU).
Their two wreathes had been detached, with the white one being removed, leaving the red one behind.
Meanwhile, Worthing Quakers also had a white poppy wreath stolen from the local war memorial.
The PPU said it was ‘disgusted but not surprised’.
Bath Quakers Jane Stephenson and Lin Patterson had a letter published in the Bath Chronicle before the incident, in the days leading up to 11 November.
It said: ‘With the respectful acknowledgement of the British Legion, we have laid a white poppy wreath for the last two years. Each time the wreath has been removed in the days after the event.
‘We are hurt by this action and would like to take the opportunity to explain the origins and purpose of the white poppy.’
The letter goes on to detail the historical background of the symbol.
