A full-sized floral ‘War Horse’, created by Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medallist Alisa Ord of Companthorpe, will be a dramatic centrepiece for “Remember, Rejoice 1914-1918”, a commemoration of the end of the First World War in All Saints’ Church, Pocklington, from the 15th to the 18th September 2018.
Alongside it, a now-rare East Yorkshire Pole Wagon will form a tribute to the ‘Wolds Wagoners’, whose specialist skills made an enormous contribution to the logistics of keeping supplies available to troops.
“Remember, Rejoice 1914-1918” will be designed by Andrew Grisewood, a nationally renowned Floral Artist, teacher and demonstrator with 30 years’ experience.
Members of the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS), top floral artists from Yorkshire and beyond, will create the exhibits in what will be more than a regular flower festival, taking visitors on a journey through the four years of 1914-1918.
The East Riding Regiments will be recalled through their part in the Oppy Wood offensive on the Somme, as will the final resting place for some of them at the nearby War Cemetery at Roclincourt.
Ceramic poppies have been specially made and dedicated to local war heroes, and East Yorkshire’s only holder of the Victoria Cross, Harry Blanshard Wood, will be remembered.
This will be a stunningly imaginative, moving, and educational experience – so much has changed in the last 100 years and memories of the Great War are fading fast.
The ‘D-Day Darlings’ of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ fame will perform at the preview evening on Friday 14th September, hosted by the Archdeacon of York, which is already a sell-out. Another concert will present music, poetry and readings from the period on Saturday 15th September at 7.30pm in the church. For tickets please see www.pockflowerfestival.org.uk.
The Royal British Legion will benefit from a generous donation from funds raised, supporting current veterans of more recent conflicts.
Festival Chairman David Brown said, “You will be amazed at the artistry of the displays. Make a day of it! You and your family are most welcome.”
Refreshments are available in the church, there is a children’s quiz, and a half price entry is offered by the renowned Burnby Hall Gardens nearby.
For information and bookings see www.pockflowerfestival.org.uk.
- Pictured: floral artwork produced by Festival Designer Andrew Grisewood to promote the festival at the Driffield Show.