THE culmination of a four-year-long project has finally come to fruition with a week of celebrations 100 years on from the end of the First World War and a halt to hostilities.

One of the most colourful community projects of the week-long programme was the emotive poppies that are this week adorning the railings of the Shire Hall.

A call for contributions from the former manager of the Shire Hall, Aileen Atkinson was met with a shower of hand-knitted poppies, and the final count is in the region of 9,000, made up of donations from individuals and groups.

The poppies have been carefully attached to plastic panels and are now being hung daily over the railings.

The initial project was based on an idea brought about by the Monmouth World War One Commemorations Group, who have helped put together the week of Remembrance activity across Monmouth. Many activities planned have received the financial support of The Armed Forces Covenant Trust who help communities to honour and support the work of military personnel.

Tasked with promoting the project, Aileen Atkinson and her colleagues at The Shire Hall have managed to spread the word, and Monmouth Poppies has grown in true organic fashion across the strong grass roots community in Monmouth and beyond.

Every poppy has been handmade,and then meticulously counted at The Shire Hall, with names of contributors recorded as the bags have come in. There have been numerous sleepless nights about missing names tucked inside the copious bags, and all are welcome to check that Aileen has their name on the list.

The legacy of those who have made this visual record of Remembrance for Monmouth will be recorded, and plans for the Poppies being exhibited at other events over the forthcoming year are being made. 

One final panel remains half filled on the gates of The Shire Hall, and all are welcome to tie one of the last poppies available onto the panel. The poppies will be available from the Royal British Legions poppy display outside The Shire Hall this week until they run out.