Local shopping centre reveals moving WW1 tribute
Vicar Lane Shopping Centre recently unveiled a “poetry walk” on part of its site, in a touching tribute which marked 100 years since the end of World War I.
The town’s Mayor cut the ribbon of the Vicar Lane WW1 tribute exhibition on 14th May, with press and members of the public in attendance.
In situ until January 2019, the piece is made up of 11 different poems engraved onto the wall in the link walkway to the car park, installed as part of the WWI commemorations across the town lead by Chesterfield Borough Council. The poems on display include timeless works from Rudyard Kipling, John McCrae and other famed war poets.
During the opening of the exhibition, the Royal British Legion collected donations on site, with all funds raised being donated to the Poppy Appeal – a charity which offers welfare support for those in the Armed Forces community who are facing difficulties – supported by the Royal British Legion Riders and the Chesterfield RBL.
Shaun Brown, Operations Manager for Vicar Lane, said:-
“We are honoured to be able to partake in these important celebrations, and to pay respect to those who fought for us. We hope that the exhibition will inspire Chesterfield and make our community proud.”
Chesterfield businesses and voluntary groups are also invited to work with Chesterfield Borough Council to help plan commemorations in the borough to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War. Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Chesterfield Combined Ex Services is also planning a poppy cascade from the balcony of Chesterfield Town Hall in the week of Armistice Day this November, which will require thousands of knitted, crocheted or felt poppies.
A number of organisations in Chesterfield are planning events during the year and in particular for the period 11 October to 11 November.
