Touching Sunderland poppy artwork in Ryhope remembers the fallen on Remembrance Day - with a nod to the environment

St Paul’s Church has launched its poppy display for this year’s Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, with the beautiful installation by its artists in residency Linzi Saunders and Kevin Rudkin.

Over a few recent weeks the pair have collected empty plastic bottles, which were then cut, painted and tacked onto a framework of garden mesh and supporting canes.

This was then tied around one of the large trees in St Paul’s churchyard. The artists say the use of recycled materials is not only better for the environment, but embraces the “make do and mend” approach which had to be adopted around World War Two.

Linzi, who lives in Ryhope, admitted it was a lot of work. However, she says it was worth it and is pleased with the results.

She said: “Me and Kevin used over 300 pop bottles for the installation and had enough left over to make three more wreaths.”

Kevin added: “I like that it’s not obvious what it’s made from unless you get close enough to look at its construction.”

The work has been well received by local people, both in “real life” and on social media. Rev David Chadwick of St Paul’s is also thrilled with the tribute.

He said: “Some ladies at the church have also made knitted garlands of poppies. These and the poppy tree complement each other very well.”

The St Paul’s Church artists’ residencies were set up to provide experience for new and emerging local artists to respond to the building heritage, architecture and the community it serves.

It is hoped that such projects will highlight not just faith, but also the community role of the church in Ryhope.

The poppy tree will remain in place at the Ryhope Street North church from now until the end of November.

Sunderland’s Remembrance Sunday parade sets off from the top of Burdon Road at 10.35am on November 13, led by The Royal Signals Northern Band and the Bearpark and Esh Colliery Band, before the service at the nearby War Memorial.