Silhouette Tommies to be placed around town in poignant First World War tribute

Councillor Brenda Canham with some of the 200 poppies she has already knitted for the Thetford Town Council's World War One Remembrance event, with the poppies trailing from the Guildhall roof. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

It is part of numerous events taking place in Thetford to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the conflict.

The figures represent the soldiers who fought and lost their lives during the Great War.

So far 14 have been delivered to the town council as part of the national There But Not There Project, with the council being one of the 12 founding members.

These will be displayed at places including the council offices, the Royal British Legion and the Dad’s Army Museum.

Some of the knitted poppies that the Thetford Town Council are going to place trailing from the Guildhall roof for part of their World War One Remembrance event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Businesses and organisations are being encouraged to get involved in sponsoring a Tommy or buying one to display in shop windows and or outdoor space.

The Revd Helen Jary, from Thetford’s St Cutherbert’s Church, said the figures are a “powerful” way of remembering the fallen.

She said: “I think particularly if you think about them being in the churches, they represent the fallen and those who probably would have sat in those pews.

“I think it will be quite powerful.”

Silhouette Tommies and knitted poppies at Thetford Town Council as their World War One Remembrance events start taking shape. From left, front, David Brooks, venue and events manager; Sarah Lewis, deputy town clerk; and Lotti Fraser, Keystone Development Trust. Back, Rev Helen Jary; Tina Cunnell, town clerk; and Brenda Canham, councillor. The Tommy Silhouettes from the There But Not There project, are clear perspex, but for now the backing paper has been kept on until the event. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2018)

Thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies will also decorate the buildings and structures in the town centre.

It is hoped a flowing river of poppies will wash down the Guildhall clock tower to meet with the giant poppy on the Royal British Legion building.

Thetford’s Ancient House Museums Knitter Natter group has started knitting the poppies for this project and has reached out for schools, individuals and voluntary organisations to get involved.

There will be poppy and cake mornings and afternoons around the town in the run up to Remembrance Day.

Town councillor Sylvia Armes said: “This is the time when we pull together as a whole town. I would encourage the whole town to get involved.

“It is out duty, the older and younger generations, to commemorate the lives that gave us the lives we have today.”

Poppy patterns are available to download online or can be picked up from the council offices in King’s House and The Carnegie.

For more information about the events and how to take part, visit the Thetford Town Council website or Facebook page.