Man decorates Portsmouth field with 1,000 cardboard poppies for Remembrance Sunday

Simon Hughes, 54, who lives in Portsmouth, felt compelled to make the gesture of respect after driving to work in Dorset and ‘seeing fields of poppies’.

He said: ‘I saw the field in Horsea Island and it had all the support posts for the trees and I thought it would be a really nice place to create my own field of poppies.

‘I spent four days using paper and card to make a thousand poppies.’

At 3am on Saturday morning, Simon and his three sons, Alex, George and Dylan went into the field and placed the poppies on the tree supports to create a striking display of red in honour of fallen heroes of the past.

Simon, who works for the ambulance service, said: ‘I have lived in Portsmouth for 25 years and I know a lot of people who have been in the forces.

‘Armistice Day is a way of bringing everyone together to remember those who have been lost – not just in the military but also for me, people I have been close to.

‘After we had finished it was really good to look back and see all the poppies. I only wish I could have made 2,000 poppies.’

Simon said he wanted to make the gesture due to Covid restrictions preventing people from being able to take part in commemorative ceremonies which would normally take place in the city on Remembrance Sunday.

Simon’s efforts have been appreciated by the people of Portsmouth.

Posting on Facebook, Shaun Hanlon said: ‘What a fantastic tribute to our fallen heroes. Well done that man.’

Irene Ayers added: ‘Wow, that’s amazing. Such a lovely thing to do for everyone. Thank you.’

Mary Jones said: ‘Absolutely fantastic. Well done to that gent.’

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth Falklands veteran’s doorstep ceremony in honour of fallen heroes on Remembrance Sunday

Portsmouth City Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Steve Pitt, has commended residents for ensuring fallen heroes were not forgotten despite Covid restrictions.

Cllr Pitt said: ‘There have been a number of informal services for people to lay wreaths and pay their respects.

‘It was disappointing we could not hold hold our normal ceremony but it’s brilliant that people have found their own way to commemorate Remembrance Sunday.

‘I understand thousands of residents came onto their doorsteps to take a moment of reflection.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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