With a thousand crosses available for small donations, schools, colleges, societies and members of the public can add a cross until 12th November to help make a strong visual display made up of rows of crosses and scarlet poppies. All proceeds will go to help those affected by the effects of war.
Rhondda Heritage Park’s Gallery Co-ordinator, Jan Pennell, explained that as a poppy seller herself she feels that ‘creating this opportunity will help raise awareness of how we are all touched by the conflicts of war from the First World War to Iraq and Afghanistan today. The result could be a striking display. It will combine the visual with the historic and more importantly help to raise awareness and funds for a very worthwhile cause’.
The focal point for the service is a statue of The Abandoned Soldier (TAS) created to symbolise the hardships facing soldiers returning from conflict zones. Created in 2007 by sculptor James Napier the sculpture is on temporary display at Rhondda Heritage Park. The five metre high statue is modeled on the face of Lance Corporal Daniel Twiddy, who was wounded by shrapnel in 2003 in Basra. It is a living and lasting memorial to commemorate and celebrate those who have given their lives in the service of their country and all those who have served and suffered as a result of conflict.
Also on display in the Centre will be an exhibition of paintings by artist Patricia Mears to support the Help for Heroes Charity. Both of Patricia’s sons have been in the army for several years and have served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Albania and Iraq and currently in Afghanistan. The exhibition is based on troops on active service and all proceeds will be donated to the charity.
A warm welcome will be extended to those wishing to attend. For further information call Rhondda Heritage Park on 01443 682036.
