A heartfelt tribute, featuring over 20,000 handmade poppies arranged in the silhouette of a Lancaster bomber, is currently being meticulously dismantled at the International Bomber Command Centre (IBCC) in Lincoln. This striking installation was erected to commemorate VE and VJ Day, with each individual poppy being carefully collected from the ground, washed, packaged, and dispatched to buyers. The display generated considerable national and even international interest, leading to one of the busiest summers on record for the centre, as noted by the IBCC’s chief executive, Nicky van der Drift.
The profits raised from the selling of these poppies will support the IBCC, the British West India Regiments Heritage Trust, and the Wooden Spoon Trust. Van der Drift highlighted the profound solidarity and personal loss embodied by each poppy, remarking on the installation’s significance as a ‘vital commemoration’.
Key to the creation and deconstruction of the display were volunteers such as Eamonn Hogan of the Lincoln Rugby Club. Hogan, who used to serve in the RAF, articulated the pride involved in taking part in such a memorable occasion, alongside other former armed forces personnel.
Peter Hiatt, a member of the IBCC’s reception team, pointed out the worldwide impact of the poppies due to their international shipping and drew attention to the necessity of regular tea breaks amid the fastidious nature of the work. Beyond simply honouring those who served, this tribute has also shone a spotlight on Lincolnshire’s rich heritage, introducing it to a far-reaching audience.
This article was adapted from a BBC news report by The Lincoln Post.
