Poppy cascade on display at Council House
A striking cascade of hand-crafted poppies, created by the Dudley Remembers Group as a visual tribute to those who served their country, is now on display at Dudley Council House.
The Mayor of Dudley has met with local volunteers from the group today, as well as The Gentleman Songsters, as the borough prepares to mark Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday in the coming weeks.
On Remembrance Day (Sunday 9 November), current and ex-service men and women, along with families of the fallen and community groups, will parade from Vicar Street at approximately 10.20am, moving along High Street, Stone Street, Priory Street, Priory Road.
There will then be a service on Ednam Road by the cenotaph at 10.45am, with the event set to be broadcast live by Black Country Radio from 10am.
Veterans will join the Mayor of Dudley, council staff, councillors and members of the public at the First World War Clock Tower Memorial in Priory Street to mark Armistice Day on Tuesday 11 November at 10.55am. The service, which marks the end of the First World War, includes the laying of wreaths and a two-minute silence.
On Thursday 6 November there will be a Festival of Remembrance led by The Gentlemen Songsters at Dudley College. Local people will join dignitaries and service men and women in marking the poignant time of year with live performances and traditional war time songs. More details are online at www.gentlemensongsters.com
Visitors to Himley Hall can see knitted poppies on display at the Coffee Lounge, which have been created by council staff and their friends and family as well as park visitors and residents.
Residents are also invited to pay their respects by placing a poppy in the Cross of Remembrance in Dudley Market Place. The cross will be in place from Friday 24 October to Monday 24 November, with personal tributes welcome.
Councillor Pete Lee, Mayor of Dudley, said:
“Remembrance Day and Armistice Day are very close to my heart, and I am honoured to be leading Dudley’s tributes to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and this borough.
“It has been wonderful to meet members of the Gentleman Songsters today ahead of the Festival of Remembrance, which I am very much looking forward to attending.
“I have also been able thank some of the wonderful volunteers from the Dudley Remembers Group today for their work in putting together the incredible poppy cascade, which we now see at Dudley Council House.”
To ensure the safety and smooth running of the Dudley town centre Remembrance Sunday event, several road closures will be in place. This includes Priory Road, Ednam Road, New Street, Tower Street, Priory Street, Stone Street, St James’s Road, Parsons Street, Market Place, High Street, Wolverhampton Street, Union Street, and Vicar Street.
Community-organised parades, organised independently from Dudley Council, will also take place across the borough and people are encouraged to check their local details in advance.
People are advised to allow additional travel time throughout the borough on Remembrance Sunday due to road closures and diversions and are reminded that in some areas such as Mary Stevens Park, parking arrangements may be altered to accommodate safety measures. Those with accessibility needs, who require parking, are encouraged to check with local organisers in advance.
Priory Street will be closed on the morning of Armistice Day from 10.30am to 11.30am, with alternative routes clearly signposted.