A World War 1 soldier outside the main entrance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital
Blackpool Victoria Hospital will be unveiling a ground-breaking World War 1 memorial next month.
The Poppy Memorial is a result of a year-long campaign, #TheGreatBTHKnit, which has seen hundreds of knitters and crocheters donating poppies to adorn the innovative structure.
Associate Director of Facilities at the Trust, Nigel Fort, said: “The structure has been built by generous local businesses who have donated their time and materials especially for the 100 year anniversary of the end of World War 1.
“We think that this is the first memorial of its kind in a hospital setting and really is breath-taking. We encourage both staff and public to come and visit and we will be putting together a programme of events, which will be published as soon as we have everything confirmed.”
Alongside the Memorial will be events, photographs, displays and both real and replica uniforms and artifacts from World War 1 and it is hoped that the hospital will receive personal dedications from public and staff to remember all those killed or injured in armed conflict over the past 100 years to be displayed inside.
The Poppy Memorial will be unveiled on October 26 at 11am in the hospital’s main entrance.
Anyone who has donated poppies for the campaign is invited for coffee and cake at 10am in the Restaurant of Blackpool Victoria Hospital, before being accompanied to the unveiling.
Photos and descriptions for the personal dedications can be dropped off at the main entrance desk at the hospital or can be emailed to nigel.fort@nhs.net.
A sample of how dedications will be displayed, although most will contain less words. The dedications will be available after the event to keep as a momento and will each have a felt poppy attached.
There will also be a Remembrance Service near the Memorial on Friday November 9 from 10.30 am which will include the Last Post and the Layton Primary School choir. This event is open to everyone. Poppy donators are once again invited to the Restaurant at 10am for coffee and cake.
Further information and the events schedule will be publicised at www.bfwh.nhs.uk.