St. Breward Church’s Poppy Display Honours Sacrifice, Peace, and Remembrance

In a heartfelt tribute this November, St. Breward Church, the highest church in Cornwall, will unveil a display honouring those who have fought, died, and stood for peace. The display features four striking poppy-covered structures representing red, black, purple, and white poppies, each symbolising a unique remembrance. Designed by local resident Sara Burrows, who is also a contributor to the village’s Community News magazine, this elaborate installation is the result of over a year of dedicated work.

Poppy Colours with Powerful Meanings

Each poppy colour reflects a particular aspect of remembrance:

• Red – representing all who served in WWI, WWII, and modern conflicts, symbolised by a kneeling soldier.
• Black – honouring Black, African, Caribbean, Asian, and Pacific Islander lives lost, depicted with a standing soldier.
• Purple – dedicated to animals involved in conflicts, symbolised by a horse.
• White – a tribute to conscientious objectors and those advocating for peace, represented by a dove.

The installation has been a labour of love for Sara, who knitted over 900 of the 1,000 poppies for the display, as well as more than 23 metres of barbed wire. Over 17 months, she worked with her mother, Hazel Burrows, and family friend Cherry Mitchell, who helped crochet some of the poppies. Robin Fry contributed by cutting out the shapes, and Fran Calver arranged fresh flower displays to enhance the visual impact in the church.

Community Support and Remembrance Events

This remarkable display will be first revealed during the Remembrance Service on Sunday 10th November, where St. Breward Brownies will add paper poppies to the structures. The installation will also feature in Remembrance Day commemorations on Monday 11th November at Mine Hill War Memorial, after which villagers will return to the church for refreshments. It will remain on view until the end of November, with the church open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Alongside the display, A4 sheets featuring poems and information will accompany each colour, offering insights into the stories and memories each poppy represents. Sara expressed her hope that the tribute would honour not just those who gave their lives in conflict but also those who stood for peace, stating, “It isn’t about Sara; it is about the people and animals that gave their lives so that we can hopefully live in peace.”

A Tribute Built with Support and Memories

The display has been made possible by many in the community, including Paddy McShee and Jeremy Hooper, the church wardens, and support from local businesses like Stable Art in Bodmin, which donated the mountboards. Sara received numerous stories and photographs from community members sharing memories of family members’ wartime experiences. She dedicated the installation to her family members who served in conflicts, many of whom inspired her to create this significant display.

Location: St. Breward Parish Church, Bodmin Moor, PL30 4PP
Open: 10am to 4pm – Call Jeremy Hooper on 01208 851315 to confirm the church will be open.