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Spitfire soars above latest Pelsall clock Remembrance display

This impressive Spitfire poppy display has been placed in the centre of Pelsall for Remembrance Day.

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Walkers Sue Berridge, left, from Aldridge, and Ann Lote, from Rushall, enjoy the latest Remembrance display at the Pelsall clock

Despite the coronavirus pandemic causing most Remembrance services and parades to be cancelled this year, organisers of the Walsall display hope it will encourage people to remember in their own way.

It has been a tradition for several years to decorate the Pelsall clock in a new theme each November – and this year was no different.

Councillor Garry Perry, who represents Pelsall for Walsall Council and also leads the Preservation of Pelsall Remembrance Service group, said he was “so proud” of the display this year.

He said: “We initially formed the group, which we call the Poppers, about two years ago when Remembrance Day services were under threat from lack of funding and support.

“We still keep it going today and it’s our organising committee for all the parades and services for Remembrance Day.

“A few years ago we did the poppy clock, decorating the area with poppies, and it was so successful we’ve done it every year with a new theme.

"This year we focused on the Battle of Britain, hence the Spitfire.”

The Spitfire itself was crafted by The Aldridge Shed, a local men’s craft club.

Councillor Perry added: “When we saw it, we were thrilled. We didn’t expect it to come out the way it did.

'It is a combined effort'

“It’s something that’s become a well established focal point on Remembrance Day in Pelsall. It’s something I’m very proud to have started.

“It really is a combined effort though, with too many people to thank here.

“We’re not doing Remembrance Day as we normally would this year but Pelsall will still remember.

"And having such a visual display keeps Remembrance at the forefront of peoples minds. We ask them to remember at home and in their hearts.”

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