Third Second World War memorial displayed at Abington church with special nod to NHS

The annual St Peter and St Paul's Second World War commemoration is back this year, based on the theme of sacrifice.

Ten soldiers and eight NHS worker silhouettes now stand proudly in the churchyard amid a sea of handmade red poppies.

The display, which reads 'thank you for your sacrifice', has this year taken resident artist Celia Irwin, a retired headteacher, one month to make with the help of her husband and friend.

She and the church rector both wanted to link this year's memorial to the idea of sacrifice being past and present, as the NHS ramps up its efforts again to treat covid patients.

She said: "We knew it would be controversial but it is the role of the church and of art to challenge people's thinking and make them question things.

"In very difficult and challenging times sacrifice is made by everyone, mothers, children, the elderly, men and women, families and people from all walks of life.

"Sacrifice is giving up something for the sake of someone else or the sake of others but the traditional idea of remembrance we think of soldiers who were prepared to give their lives for their freedom. Also, we think of the families who sacrificed their men usually, who went to war."

This year, the church is holding a minute's silence on Sunday, November 8 at 10am to remember those who have given their lives and to pay tribute to the sacrifice of care staff and NHS workers. Members of the community can join in with the streamed remembrance service by watching on YouTube or their Facebook page.

Celia, whose display last year showcased 1,000 poppies surrounding a 'lest we forget' sign, has asked nurses to head along to the churchyard tomorrow to add poppies to the piece, which will be on display until the end of lockdown.

Celia added: "So many people have been to see them already and lots of people have visited who would not normally go, so that's great. Rector Jun Kim said he has never seen so many people in the churchyard."