‘Wall of poppies’ to remember war dead

A group of local artists are to contribute to a ‘wall of poppies’ in Carrick’s North Street in memory of the town’s war dead.
Councillor Billy Ashe with some of the artists whose work is on display in the pop up art gallery on North Street, Carrickfergus. INCT 45-149-GRCouncillor Billy Ashe with some of the artists whose work is on display in the pop up art gallery on North Street, Carrickfergus. INCT 45-149-GR
Councillor Billy Ashe with some of the artists whose work is on display in the pop up art gallery on North Street, Carrickfergus. INCT 45-149-GR

Organised by Robert Stewart, former chairman of Carrickfergus Regeneration Partnership, the project aims to commemorate the hundreds of men from the town who never returned home from the First and Second World Wars.

“The council have funded the traders to open a pop-up gallery on North Street,” said Mr Stewart.

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“There are about eight local artists who have contributed to the gallery, which was a community project that was open to all.

“These artists will also be hand-painting 312 wooden poppies to display on the bare wall at the bottom of North Street.

“We know that there were 212 men from the borough lost during the First World War and 100 that we know of during the Second World War, so each wooden poppy has been created in memory of one of those servicemen.

“I’d like to have their names on the poppies as well if possible.”

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It is hoped that the majority of the pieces to be included in the artwork will be in place in time for Remembrance Sunday and its associated events this weekend.

“We hope to keep the poppies up on the wall over the winter and to make a feature out of it,” Mr Stewart said.

Meanwhile, Carrickfergus Traders’ Association will once again be bringing back their Christmas grotto to North Street.

“The pop-up gallery will run for two weeks until the opening of the grotto, which will coincide with the Christmas lights switch on in the town on November 15,” Mr Stewart added.

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“The council have provided a good bit of funding for the grotto again this year and we’re hoping to do free entry for every child.

“The theme for the grotto this year will be [Disney film] Frozen, which is very popular with the kids.”

The pop-up gallery officially opened in the town centre on Saturday evening.