Ashfield School, ATTFE College and Ashfield Fire Station have collaborated to create a special Remembrance tribute that honours the sacrifices of servicemen and women, including local firefighters who lost their lives in both World Wars. This display serves as a powerful symbol of community remembrance, paying respect to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Ashfield School’s Art, Design and Technology Department has shared its handcrafted poppies, created by students and families as part of a 2018 project commemorating the centenary of the end of World War I. In their original project, students crafted poppies at home from materials such as plastic bottles, tissue paper and metal, resulting in a breathtaking “waterfall of poppies” that symbolised community spirit and remembrance. These poppies now form part of the tribute at Ashfield Fire Station, continuing the school’s commitment to honouring the past.
ATTFE College has also contributed to the display with striking wartime silhouettes and poppies that enhance the exterior of Ashfield Fire Station. This addition emphasises the college’s dedication to honouring those who sacrificed and ensures that the display is both a poignant landmark for the entire community.
On 2 November, a memorial service was held at Ashfield Fire Station, bringing together community members to remember all who have fallen, with a special tribute to the three firefighters from Kirkby-in-Ashfield who were killed during the Manchester Blitz while safeguarding others. This year’s tribute underscores the strength and unity of the Ashfield community as they honour their shared history and the local heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Helen Hughes, Ashfield School’s Art, Design and Technology Lead reflected:
“It is incredibly meaningful to see our poppy display becoming part of the wider community’s remembrance efforts. Our students and families poured their time and creativity into this project in 2018 and we’re proud that their work continues to serve as a tribute to those who gave everything for our freedoms.”
Carl Tolley of Ashfield Fire Station expressed his gratitude for the school’s contribution, underscoring the importance of the display:
“From us all at Ashfield Fire Station, we would like to thank Ashfield School for the loan of their poppy display material. The work you must have done to complete this could not have been easy. Your items will really enhance our display and be part of a fitting tribute to the fallen. We hope that our display will honour those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedom we all have today and especially remember the firefighters from Kirkby who lost their lives in the Blitz.”
Liz Barrett OBE, Principal of ATTFE College commented:
“ATTFE college and Together In Ashfield CIC were delighted to work alongside Notts Fire and Rescue to create Remembrance installations. War time silhouettes along with beautifully created poppies have ensured that those from our communities who lost their lives to war time are respectfully remembered and their sacrifices deeply appreciated.”
The Ashfield Fire Station’s display stands as a solemn tribute to all those who served in past conflicts and continues to foster remembrance within the community. This partnership embodies the spirit of collective memory, uniting students, teachers and local fire fighters in honouring the resilience and dedication of those brave soldiers.
