THE mayor of Bude-Stratton has has planted the first of a series of newly created metal poppies to mark the start of this year’s Remembrance period.

Cllr Mike Dawe was accompanied at Shalder Hill by Nick Westlake, business manager at Greenfield Engineering, the organisation who have been comissioned to create the pieces.

The initiative, led by Luke Francis BEM RBL, with all proceeds going to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, gives residents the chance to purchase a metal poppy to either place at the War Memorial or keep at home as a lasting tribute. Each poppy can be personalised with the names of family members, friends, or others they wish to remember.

The idea came from Mr Francis, head postmaster of Bude and a long-standing Royal British Legion Standard Bearer and Parade Marshall. Inspired by the display of metal poppies at the Tower of London, he approached Greenfield Engineering to manufacture and paint the poppies in three different colours, making the project a reality.

The initiative started in Kilkhampton and is now being replicated in Bude, following strong local interest and support. Together, these efforts highlight the shared commitment across local communities to honour those who served

Mr Francis said: “I’ve wanted to do something like this for many years, and I’m so grateful to Frank Green and Greenfield Engineering for making it achievable. The aim is to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal and to give people another way to take part in Remembrance.”

Cllr Mike Dawe, mayor of Bude-Stratton, added: “Planting the first metal poppy was an honour. Remembrance is about showing respect for those who gave their lives, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute while supporting the Royal British Legion’s vital work. It is good to see our community – and our neighbours in Kilkhampton – coming together in this way.”