Royal British Legion decorates Spalding footbridge with poppies marking 80 years since D-Day landings ahead of Remembrance Sunday services at Ayscoughfee Hall and Springfields

A footbridge has been decorated with poppies by volunteers ahead of a parade in remembrance of those who have died in battle.

Jan Whitbourn, vice-chairman of the Spalding Royal British Legion (RBL) and her team have adorned Spalding’s Taku bridge, Churchgate, with large red poppies before Remembrance Day commemorations begin in Spalding town centre.

Poppies have been placed along the footbridge - which was named after the Second World War’s H.M. Submarine Taku - as preparations are made for remembrance services at Ayscoughfee Gardens and Springfields.

Jan said: “When they march along here, it is a sea of red poppies.

“Volunteers have had a whole year to concentrate on making poppies - crocheting, knitting and building the wooden soldiers known as Tommies.

“A Brownies group has been helping to make poppies and we all have a meeting and decide what we are going to do.”

Coun Gary Taylor, Coun Anthony Casson along with Linda Casson, Tony Fell and Graham Hewitt have helped with the project along with the Busy Bees.

Mr Hewitt, who is a standard bearer and a parade marshal, has been volunteering his time for 15 years.

He said: “Putting the poppies in and around the town helps to remember the fallen and those lost in conflicts over the years.

“It is also for our loved ones and those veterans we have lost as well.”

This is the fifth year that the group has decorated the bridge in time for Remembrance Day.

This year marks 80th anniversary of the D-day landings in Normandy - a pivotal moment in the Second World War.

“We encourage everyone to wear a poppy and support the veterans,” said Mr Hewitt.

Volunteers of all ages are encouraged to help with preparations and Mr Hewitt’s late wife Jenny had created a poppy blanket.

Mr Hewitt, who works full time as an ambulance driver, added: “I get a lot of satisfaction and immense pride helping the RBL.

“There are various events happening that we need help with.

“For those interested they can contact their nearest RBL branch who are always happy to get more volunteers.”

Coun Taylor, who is a cabinet member of South Holland District Council, is urging people to honour Remembrance Day, particularly the Normandy Landings.

He said: “This year it is particularly important to make the effort to remember former service veterans.

“We encourage everyone to wear a poppy and support the veterans.”

There will be a number of fundraising events throughout the area.

On Thursday, November 7, at the Tulip Queen there was a quiz where veterans were invited to go along for a discounted meal.

Further events for veterans include a service lunch at The Swan, Weston Hills on Sunday, November 17.

Anyone who wishes to volunteer their services or businesses which would like to have poppy appeal collection boxes can email jan@tulip-events.co.uk.

Communities across South Holland will be gathering to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Here is a round-up of some of the area’s parades.

The Spalding Remembrance Parade will march from Market Place at 10.45am on Sunday to the Lutyens Memorial in Ayscoughfee Gardens.

To mark Remembrance Sunday (10 November) there will be a parade from the Market Place in Spalding town centre at 10:45am, culminating at Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens, where a service and wreath-laying will take place at the Lutyens Memorial.

Market Place and Broad Street will be closed to traffic during the morning while the St Mary and St Nicolas Church bells are rung at 10.15am.

At 10:45am, the church party will walk to the memorial where a service will start at 10.57am.

10:45am - Parade moves from Market Place into Ayscoughfee Hall Gardens.

At 11.50am the parade will form up in Chestnut Avenue, to parade back to Market Place.

While the Holbeach parade will muster at the Co-op at 10am on Sunday and will set-off at 10.30am to march down to the High Street war memorial.

Wreaths, an address and silence will be held at the memorial from 10.55am and will be followed by a service in All Saints’ Church at 11.30am.

Fleet Road and High Street will be shut between 10am and 11.30am.

Gosberton Parish Council has organised wreath laying at the Gosberton War Memorial at 11am on Sunday. Commemorations will also be held at the Risegate memorial at noon.

Pinchbeck’s parade will walk from Bear Lane to St Mary’s Church at 10.15am on Sunday.