NOTICED FROM PARLIAMENT

Bishop Monkton's very own poppy field was a simple and beautiful act of remembrance, yet so effective, so heartfelt and what a reaction it generated.

For the first time this year, in the centre of the village was a display of bright red poppies, the brainwave of Dave Molyneux, the owner of Burngarth, a cottage by the beck. For a few days, 130 poppies stood proudly alongside the beck, guarded silently by two soldier silhouettes. Walkers, villagers and passers-by took time to stop and reflect in gratitude. Children brought their parents on the way to and from school to plant poppies, all the time asking questions and looking for more information. It was certainly a talking point-and for all the right reasons.

And most importantly, a total of just over £332 was raised for the Royal British Legion.

The story, however, doesn't stop there. One day last week Royal Mail delivered to Burngarth an official looking letter, in a franked House of Commons envelope, containing a letter, on House of Commons headed notepaper, from the village's former M.P., Sir Julian Smith, who still has a home in the village.

Staying in the village during the Armistice Day commemorations Sir Julian had obviously noticed the poppies and had been moved to write personally to Dave to express his appreciation and thanks. It was a lovely, thoughtful letter, the contents of which Dave has been kind enough to share with this website. It probably also very accurately represents the feelings of the whole village

Sir Julian writes.

“Thank you for your fantastic efforts in creating Bishop Monkton's poppy field and raising funds in support of remembrance charities. The total raised by your handmade poppies is a testament to the thought and care you have put into this initiative and I am certain it has touched many people in the village and beyond.

It is clear that this beautiful project has resonated with the community, bringing families and neighbours together for such an important cause Your dedication from crafting each poppy to organising the display is inspiring and a reminder of the power of local community spirit.”

Dave responded by quietly saying “It was an event that brought the village together and getting the letter was totally unexpected.”.

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