Churches and schools plant poppies to mark First World War

Hundreds of churches and Church of England schools across Devon are planting poppies as part of First World War commemorations organised by the Diocese of Exeter.

With the support of Paignton based Sutton Seeds, the Diocese has sent out 500 packets of the Northlew poppy seeds. Northlew, a small village near Okehampton, lost proportionally more of its enlisted men than anywhere else in the UK, when 24 died out of the 100 strong adult male population.

The Bishop of Crediton, Nick McKinnel said many churches were taking part in commemorations in their villages or towns, but this was an initiative that would unite churches and church schools in memory of those who had lost their lives from Devon.

He said: “The poppy is such a strong symbol of the dreadful conflicts of the 20th century. Filling our churchyards and church schools with poppies this year is a fitting way of marking the centenary of World War One. We are especially pleased to have worked with Sutton Seeds to support Northlew, a tiny community which lost so many of its men.”

Bishop Nick is going to Northlew’s memorial service for those lost in the First World War at the end of June.

The diocese has also sent prayer cards and stickers to its schools and churches.

For every packet sold of the Northlew Poppy, Sutton Seeds are donating £1 to the village to help them plant 20 miles of poppies along the route the men marched to join the war.

Donations will also go towards building a new community shop called Memorial Stores.

Christopher Marson from the Northlew Memorial Society said: “Purchasing our seeds has created such a stir of enthusiasm to the people of our village and we are truly grateful for such an amazing gesture.

“Northlew lost proportionately more young men from the enlisted population than any other town city or place in the UK. Sutton seeds and our village decided to show the country that not only will we remember them, we did remember them, the poppy being the most profound of flowers to deliver not just a message of remembrance and peace but a message of hope to all those who see them.”