ATTFE College students create handmade Tommy's for Festival of Remembrance
Sutton students create iconic silhouettes as part of Remembrance Day events
More than 1,000 handmade Tommy silhouettes created by ATTFE College learners over the past two years are helping to keep Remembrance alive across Ashfield.
The project, led through a growing partnership between ATTFE College and Together in Ashfield CIC has seen learners from the college's construction department design, build and distribute more than 1,000 Tommies since 2024.
The Tommies will now play an important part of the district’s Festival of Rememberance on Sunday, alongside thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies, community poetry and personal stories contributed by local residents.
ATTFE College Principal, Liz Barrett OBE DL, said: "Every Tommy tells a story. Together they represent Remembrance, gratitude and respect for those who served our country and Commonwealth.
"What makes this project so special is that it brings generations together. Our learners gain practical skills, but they also gain a deeper understanding of service, sacrifice and community responsibility.
"The Ashfield Festival of Remembrance has become an important event for our district, and we are honoured to play a part in helping ensure Remembrance remains meaningful for future generations."
This year's Ashfield Festival of Remembrance places a special focus on the Commonwealth, recognising the contribution and sacrifice of Commonwealth nations and service personnel who served alongside British forces throughout history.
Jordan Stubbs, Remembrance Project Lead at ATTFE College, added: "Over the past few weeks, our EVOLVE learners have shown tremendous creativity and commitment in preparing artwork for the Remembrance display at St Mary’s Cemetery in Sutton.
“This year's theme, the Commonwealth, has inspired a wide range of contributions, from handcrafted poppies and painted boards to powerful poetry and large-scale artwork.
"Our adult volunteers at the ATTFE Hub have also made an incredible contribution, creating a giant camouflage net adorned with hundreds of hand-knitted poppies.
“It has been wonderful to see learners, volunteers and community partners come together to create such a meaningful tribute, ensuring the stories and sacrifices of those who served are remembered by future generations."
This year's event will begin at 11am, this Sunday with a poppy wreath-laying service at the Cenotaph outside St Mary's Church in Sutton before the service continues at the Cornerstone Theatre the town after 11:30am.