First World War poppies to bloom across Ribble Valley

Ribble Valley Mayor and Mayoress Michael Ranson with pupils from Grindleton CE Primary School, who are sowing a poppy garden at their school.

The Mayor of the Ribble Valley, Coun. Michael Ranson, is presenting schools and parishes in the borough with poppy seeds for commemorative gardens marking the 100th anniversary of the war.

The seeds are part of an ambitious scheme to plant trees and sow commemorative gardens in Ribble Valley’s 35 parishes in memory of around 1,000 young men from the borough who fought and died during the conflict.

The 100th anniversary of Britain’s involvement in the First World War takes place on Monday, August 4th ,and will herald commemorative events throughout the country.

Until the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day, on November 11th, 2018, communities across the world will come together to remember those who lived, fought and died in the war.

As Ribble Valley did not exist until 1974, precise records of the number of fallen in the borough do not exist, but it is believed to be around 1,000.

Poppies have been an international symbol of remembrance since Canadian military doctor Major John McCrea penned the famous poem, “In Flanders Fields”, which referred to the thousands of poppies that bloomed amid the war graves and churned up earth of the Western Front.

The Mayor, who lost a great-uncle in the war, said: “We are all connected to the First World War, through our family histories, The Fallen in our communities and its long-term impact on society.

“Poppies are a poignant reminder of The Fallen and I am touched and moved that schools are embracing this commemorative scheme so enthusiastically.”

Ribble Valley will host numerous First World War commemorative events, including a civic service at St Mary’s Parish Church, Clitheroe, on Sunday, August 3rd.

Further details of this and all events will be available at ribblevalley.gov.uk in due course.