Local School Children Commemorate World War 1 by making a human poppy
Photographs and video by Patrick Trollope

A total of 5,821 pupils from more than 47 schools, from across Sefton, on 4 July 2014, braved the cold and the rain to mark the start of World War 1, by making a huge human poppy. So far the figure is being verified by Guinness, but it has been widely reported to be a new World Record. Children marched through 2 bunkers, created by Sefton Ranger Service, wearing red and black and green t-shirts to an area marked out in the sand, where they stood to form the famous Poppy logo on Southport beach, next to the Pier. Pupils had to stand in the formation for more than 15 minutes and this feat was made even more amazing by the children's silence during a 2 minute mark of Remembrance, when they stood still as the rain lashed down. The event was organised by Sefton Council in partnership with Sefton CVS and the Royal British Legion and was watched by hundreds of residents and visitors on Southport seafront.

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Peter Dowd, was at the event. He said:- "To watch the World Record being set on Southport beach was truly amazing. Once in formation, the poppy looked spectacular and the hugely successful event marks the start of Sefton's commemorations to mark the onset of World War 1. Thanks must go to everyone involved in the World Record, from the children in the poppy to all the staff at Sefton Council and our partners who made this happen. It has certainly put Sefton on the map."

The schools, which took part in the event, were supported by Merseytravel, who put on additional trains to Southport, and all schools who took part made contributions to the Royal British Legion.

Throughout the day pupils were entertained with music, singing, physical exercises and marching drills hosted by compare Neil Newton, from Wirral Radio.

Mandy Sutton, Interim Area Manager for The Royal British Legion in Merseyside, said:- "Congratulations to Sefton Council for this fantastic effort and we cannot wait to hear the official results that they've broken the world record. We are thrilled the team chose to create a giant human poppy, especially in this poignant year as the nation commemorates the centenary of the First World War. The Legion is also grateful to the generosity of local people and school children across Sefton who supported this event and gave donations to the Legion - the money raised will help us to continue providing help and advice to serving personnel and veterans of all conflicts."

Amongst all the guests were Dame Lorna Muirhead, Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, the Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Kevin Cluskey, Ian Meadows the High Sherriff of Merseyside and a number of Sefton residents aged 96 or older.

Angela White, Sefton CVS Chief Executive, said:- "It has been an enormous privilege to have worked in partnership and been part of this event. To see so many children pay their tribute to Sefton residents, who went to the front and never came home, by creating the Flanders poppy on the beach was very moving. It provides a lasting image of future hope and continuing remembrance."

Did you take part? If you did or have any views on this, Please do let us know by emailing us to:- news24@southportreporter.com today!

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