Final poppy wreaths laid at Rutland war memorials for Poppy Pilgrimage

Residents of Rutland joined representatives of the University of Leicester in laying three poppy wreaths at war memorials across the county this week, marking the culmination of its mission to lay 100 poppy wreaths to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Geoff Green, Registrar and Secretary of the University of Leicester laid wreaths at memorials at St Andrew's Church, Whissendine; Holy Trinity Church, Teigh; and St Peter and St Paul's Church, Market Overton, on behalf of the University on 8 November.

The University’s Poppy Pilgrimage sees students, staff, local people, and both serving and retired members of the Armed Forces laying 100 poppy wreaths across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in recognition of the local people who made sacrifices during the First World War. First pledged in 2018 at the dedication of the University’s Centenary Square by University patrons Sir David Attenborough and Michael Attenborough CBE, it honours the University’s foundation as a living memorial.

Since 2018, 82 poppy wreaths have been laid at memorial sites across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This year, the University of Leicester hopes to complete its Poppy Pilgrimage by visiting the final 18 sites.

Professor Nishan Canagarajah, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Leicester, said: “We all owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who made sacrifices for the benefit of our future. This University is a testament to that spirit of sacrifice, and our Poppy Pilgrimage provides occasion to remember, reflect and honour all those who played their part in the First World War. It is fitting that as we close our Centenary Year and begin our second century, we pay tribute to those that have gone before and upon whose sacrifices our foundations are built.”

Mr Peter O Lawson, BEM, Chairman of the Rutland Historic Churches Trust and a member of the University of Leicester Court, said: “The University of Leicester was created after the First World War by public subscription across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. One of its principal founders, Astley Clarke, was a Rutland man. The University was established as an educational memorial to those who served and perished. Commemorating its 100-year history, it felt very appropriate to lay 100 wreaths at 100 memorial sites across the two counties. I was particularly proud to attend some of those in Rutland as this pilgrimage of remembrance comes to a close to coincide with Armistice time this year.” 

Asha Hickin, Stewardship Manager at the University of Leicester and Oakham resident, was Site Coordinator for the three visits and commented: “Six wreaths were laid in Rutland last year, it was wonderful to bring a further three wreaths to churches across Rutland this year as we complete the Poppy Pilgrimage. On Tuesday 8 November, at the laying of each wreath, members of the Rutland community took a moment to remember those devoted heroes who gave their lives for the cause of freedom. Thanks to all who took the time to support the Poppy Pilgrimage.”