Mansfield and Ashfield schoolchildren remember war dead despite lockdown

Schools in Mansfield and Ashfield were determined to pay their respect for Remembrance Day despite the lockdown restrictions.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Lee Anderson the MP for the Ashfield contacted schools to ask if they would design and decorate their schools with poppies. Due to the situation with Covid-19 it had become apparent the usual Remembrance Day commemorations would have to be done differently this year.

Schools throughout Ashfield agreed to take part and designed poppy displays and organised related remembrance activities. Many of the schools went on to send pictures to the MP.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Anderson paid a visit to the poppy display at Fountaindale School, Mansfield, and said he was absolutely “delighted” with the children’s red poppy tribute.

Pupils Gracie Slack and Tyler Longmate read poems of remembrance during Lee Anderson's visit to Abbey Hill Primary School/Picture: Melanie DarringtonPupils Gracie Slack and Tyler Longmate read poems of remembrance during Lee Anderson's visit to Abbey Hill Primary School/Picture: Melanie Darrington
Pupils Gracie Slack and Tyler Longmate read poems of remembrance during Lee Anderson's visit to Abbey Hill Primary School/Picture: Melanie Darrington

“Driving along the A60 towards the school, I was amazed as I approached the school entrance. The tribute was so touching,” he said.

"The head teacher had told me just how upset the pupils had been when they couldn’t remember our fallen on VE Day in the way they’d expected to.

"So many other people have told me this that, but knowing that young people felt it too it literally brought a tear to my eye”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Anderson was also able to visit the display at Abbey Hill Primary School in Kirkby and was “impressed” by the children’s hand-made poppies and the poems they had written.

Hillocks Primary School remember their war heroes with poppy display Picture: Melanie DarringtonHillocks Primary School remember their war heroes with poppy display Picture: Melanie Darrington
Hillocks Primary School remember their war heroes with poppy display Picture: Melanie Darrington

Abbey Hill Primary school pupil Gracie Slack, aged 10, read out her poem to the MP, and spoke of the the sacrifices that had been made. Tyler Longmate, also of Year 6, also talked about the poem he had written and gave tips on how he remembered the words.

Mr Anderson was sent photographs of the school displays he couldn’t visit and promised to share them on his Facebook page.

He said; “This year has been difficult, but so many people have told me that they want to do something to show their respect.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Through the ‘Street Poppy’ campaign we have raised almost £7000 to donate to the Royal British Legion and our streets and schools show how much we care – young and old – showing their respect for our heroes.

"It makes me very proud to represent this area”.