A Sunday morning service on February 20 in St Mary’s Church, Gillingham, became a very moving experience for the congregation, when a beautiful ‘White Poppy’ collage was presented to the church by Nicki Gray on behalf of Allum and Sidaway the Jewellers.
During the service which was conducted by Revd Canon Peter Greenwood, and Revd Eve Pegler, the ‘White Poppy’ was blessed and dedicated, and then carried by young participants of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, to The Chapel of The Good Shepherd, where it will now stay on permanent show.
The Royal British Legion standard was present during the service, recognising the significance of the occasion.
Peace, was very much the theme running through the chosen hymns and readings, and the congregation were reminded during the sermon, that in this very special ‘White Poppy’ every single pearl had been given in memory of someone.
Anne Kings, who had started the ‘Pearls before Poppies’ appeal 18 months ago, and local artist, Shireen Brickell, who produced the ‘White Poppy’, were both present at the service.
Anne says “this is a very fitting end to my appeal for pearls all those months ago, and of course all the money raised has gone to the Royal British Legion, Poppy Appeal.”