Mayor supports ‘Poppies for our Heroes’ campaign

Dobbies Garden Centre in Lisburn is running a ‘Poppies for our Heroes’ campaign to commemorate the centenary of the beginning of World War One in 1914 by planting Poppy seeds in April.

With Alderman William Leathem from Lisburn City Council, the Mayor met Mr Frank Mooty, General Manager of Dobbies, who explained what the campaign is all about.

Mrs Tolerton said: “When I heard of this community planting initiative, I really wanted to lend my support.

“The idea is that if Poppy seeds are planted before the end of April that they should flower in time for Remembrance Day in November.

“The Poppy of course is an emotive symbol of sacrifice and in Lisburn City Council we diligently support the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in the run-up to Remembrance Day each year, where we mark the occasion with a Service of respect.”

“I really want any local communities who may not be aware of this importance and emotive project to know about it and have the opportunity to participate in this thought-provoking campaign.

“I commend Dobbies for its initiative which is running across the UK,” she said.

Mr Leathem said: “The Poppy is a poignant symbol of loss. “This year is a piece of living history as we see 100 years pass and many of us are commemorating the huge significance of WWI.

“I hope our communities will plant Poppy seeds, this month, in their areas.

“The project is open to community groups, schools, care centres and local charities so if you have a small green area or garden, or even a flower pot in need of some colour, you should contact Dobbies to see if they can help

Aimee White, community champion at Dobbies Garden Centre, said: “We are delighted to have launched our latest Here We Grow campaign, ‘Poppies for our heroes’ and think it’s a great way for our local community to mark the 100th anniversary of the War.”

Interested parties should contact Dobbies in Lisburn on www.dobbies.com or can also telephone Dobbies on 028 9262 6960.