The impressive wooden structure marks the beginning of a powerful new community project designed to highlight the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial and to honour the vital role animals have played in conflict from the First World War through to the present day.

Over the coming weeks, the charity will begin the next stage of development by carefully sculpting the full body of the horse using chicken wire. This framework will allow the structure to be transformed into a meaningful memorial installation.

Speaking about the initiative, ASA Charity Community Development Officer Lexi Davidson said:

“The next stage of the project will be to engage with local schools and encourage the young people to make purple poppies which will then attach to the wooden horse. Our aim is to teach young people about the purple poppy, the role of animals and the importance of remembrance.”

The completed installation will serve as a visual reminder of the millions of horses, dogs, pigeons and other animals that served alongside military personnel — often in the most dangerous and demanding conditions.
Through this hands-on educational project, the ASA Charity continues its mission of remembrance, education and community engagement.

The ASA Charity would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Ian and all those at Annaghmore Men’s Shed whose skill, generosity and craftsmanship have helped make this project possible.

If you would like to find out more about the Northern Ireland Purple Poppy Memorial or support the project, please visit:

https://www.asauk.org/purple-poppy-fund⁠

#TheyServedTogether #PurplePoppy #NorthernIrelandPurplePoppyMemorial

Ancre Somme Association
Registered Charity NIC108368