Community comes together for remembrance
A Black Country community came together to remember Britain's war heroes where wreaths were placed on railings.
Thirty-eight businesses in Halesowen sponsored a wreath at £38 each, which were placed on railings opposite the war memorial in St John's churchyard.
Since 2018, Halesowen in Bloom has organised a display of a thousand poppies on these railings but time and weather has taken their toll.
In a change of format, organisers of the poppy display decided to do something a little different.
The wreaths were mounted on the railings by members of Halesowen in Bloom, the Royal British Legion and Halesowen Business Improvement District [BID] office, ready for Remembrance Sunday.
Liz Keenan, the Poppy Appeal organiser for the Halesowen Royal British Legion, said: "This has been a wonderful example of a community coming together during these troubling times.
"The sponsorship of the wreaths will boost this year’s appeal. Thank you.”
Vicky Rogers, manager of Halesowen BID, said: "We at the BID office are so proud of the businesses in Halesowen and how they have come together to support the Royal British Legion poppy appeal, particularly during this difficult time for them."
Hilary Bills, Secretary of Halesowen in Bloom, added: "It is wonderful when a plan comes together.
"Many thanks to the BID Office staff and the Halesowen businesses who have ensured our remembrance continues at the war memorial in the town centre."
A small, informal gathering was also held outside the Shell monument, in Shell Corner, Halesowen, which was organised by firefighter and community activist Stuart Henley.
