Pembrokeshire’s poppies
John Whittaker explains how his Meeting held an alternative remembrance service for all victims of war
Members of Narberth Meeting, Pembrokeshire, were at first interested, and then inspired, by a letter in the Friend in October 2008. It told of Aberystwyth’s Peace and Justice Group’s planned service of remembrance at the local war memorial, followed by a ceremony to lay a wreath of white poppies. Narberth Friends decided that they would like to do something similar in their town around Remembrance Day the next year, 2009. Their aim was to promote peace and reconciliation, and to be inclusive. Red poppies and white poppies were seen as the two sides of the same coin. Red poppies were for remembering those lost and injured in the armed forces, while white poppies were for innocent civilians who were victims of war. The red and white poppy entwined together represented our sorrow at the human cost of war and our ongoing dedication to work for peace and reconciliation.
Friends liaised with members of the Pembrokeshire Peace Group and plans were gradually developed. It was decided to have a white poppy peace stall in Narberth main car park on Friday 30 October 2009, when there would be lots of shoppers about. Then on the next day, Saturday 31 October, we would have an outdoor service of remembrance for all victims of war at a symbolic site in the town, the nine-foot-high, slate Celtic Cross. The service would culminate with the laying of a wreath of red and white poppies followed by a period of silent remembrance and dedication. It was decided that any donations given for white poppies would be divided equally between the War Widows Association and the Red Cross.
The thought at this stage was that if just a few more people in Narberth at the time of remembrance wore white poppies and understood their significance, and if just a reasonable number came to the outdoor service, then that would be a successful step forward. In the mean time there was a lot to be done. An order of service was needed. Posters, leaflets and white poppies would have to be obtained and banners made. Insurance was necessary and the police, local authorities and other organisations had to be notified.
As the time approached it was felt to be essential to advertise our plans as widely as possible. Posters were put up in shops and libraries, press releases were made and talks by Friends about peace and white poppies went out on Radio Pembrokeshire. Invitations were sent out to churches, politicians, the British Legion and other organisations inviting them to the remembrance service.
On the appointed day as planned the white poppy stall was held for four hours and proved a great success. At times people were queuing up to get their poppies. In total some 200 poppies were given out and £150 was collected for the two good causes. Peace leaflets and booklets were frequently taken and there were many meaningful conversations.
The ‘Service of Remembrance for All Victims of War’ attracted quite a lot of attention. It was led by the rector of Narberth and was attended by about forty people including representatives from the British Legion and the press. It was a very moving occasion. We had prayers, a poem and readings from the Bible. We sang ‘Make me a channel of your peace’. The red and white poppy wreath was laid, and at the end of the service, as we stood in silence, the sun suddenly came out.
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.