Forest pebbles transformed into Remembrance tributes
More than 180 uniquely painted pebbles have been created by Edwinstowe residents for Remembrance Day in a project organised by RSPB Sherwood Forest.
As well as the traditional red poppies and the unmistakeable image of the Unknown Soldier, purple poppies, honouring animals who were killed in action, have been painted by schoolchildren and members of organisations in the village.
The project was organised by Carol Hallam, Community and Volunteer Development Officer at RSPB Sherwood Forest. Villagers took part in painting sessions which were held at Edwinstowe House and outside the Co-op store during October.
Pupils from King Edwin Primary School and the 2nd Edwinstowe Rainbows and Brownies painted their own designs in class or at their pack meetings, as did members of the Edwinstowe Merry Women Women’s Institute.
Each pebble has been varnished to protect its artwork from the elements and placed either at the Edwinstowe village War Memorial or the RSPB Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre ahead of Remembrance Sunday, in memory of those from the local community who have given their lives in conflict.
Carol said: “This has been a real community effort and a chance for people to show their gratitude for those who gave their lives to serve our nation.
“Thank you to all the individuals and groups for creating such an amazing display of artwork, to Edwinstowe House and the Co-op for hosting our community sessions and to the Edwinstowe branch of the Royal British Legion, Edwinstowe Parish Council, Newark and Sherwood District Council and RSPB Sherwood Forest for supporting the project.”
Jane Chapman, Assistant Guider of the 2nd Edwinstowe Rainbows and Brownies, said: “All the girls, from our five-year old Rainbows to the older Brownies, were really happy to be involved and had a lovely time taking part in creating their own tributes on the pebbles.”