Poppies planted to mark First World War

The flowers were planted in pots at the Sompting United Reformed Church (SURC)in Cokeham Lane, Sompting, during the church’s Good Friday service. “It was a lovely occasion,” said Sheila Dyer, youth elder at SURC. She said the idea was for the poppies to come into bloom in time for the church’s centenary commemorations of the declaration of the First World War on August 4. “I think we should remember what has been done for us and hope that it won’t be repeated,” said Sheila. The well-attended service was led by the church’s former minister Rev Norman Croft, who came out of retirement to lead the Easter worship. The poppies will be planted outside the front of the church in the garden. “United Reformed Churches across the three nations, along with churches from other denominations, have been planting both red and white poppy seeds throughout Holy Week, whilst contemplating Christ’s message of peace and justice,” said Sheila. Red poppies have been used since just after the First World War as a symbol of remembrance for those who have died in war, whilst white poppies have come to be a symbol for peace and an end to all wars. “We are looking forward to seeing the red and white poppies bloom in August,” said Sheila.