Poppy project

On Thursday 9th November, the school council travelled by train to visit the poppy installation along Southend Seafront. The whole school had worked hard to produce over 500 clay poppies to contribute to the display and they made a wonderful sight as we approached. The poppies made by West Leigh pupils cascaded down the front of Cliff Gardens in the style of a waterfall. The children then explored the poppies made by local schools – there were over 5000 poppies on display in total. Next, the council visited the cenotaph and took part in a mock remembrance ceremony, where they learned about the different parts of the ceremony from an ex-marine, who was also a member of the Royal British Legion. The children were able to place a wreath made of clay poppies on the cenotaph. Finally, the children visited Gleneagles Guesthouse to view a poppy art display (and warm up with a hot chocolate). Some of our pupils also took part in an interview for BBC Essex radio (this can be listened to at the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05mxnz0). The school council were an absolute credit to the school – they behaved impeccably and listened respectfully. Thank you to all pupils who made poppies and contributed to this wonderful installation.