Over Anzac weekend many cheerful red wooden poppies could be seen dotted around the Enliven Day Centre garden. Every one bears a name. Every one tells a story of heroism, tragedy, loss and pride.
The ReTreads – keen woodworkers who are part of the men’s group at the Enliven Day Centre – have crafted these poppies for others at the Centre to remember the service and sacrifice of family members in all conflicts.
One of the clients who planted her poppy to mark Anzac Day was Margaret Hiatt, whose uncle was held prisoner of war by Japanese forces during WWII.
“He was quite jolly before he went away. We called him Uncle Bunny although his name was Jeremiah – I’m not quite sure why!” says Margaret. “But he was a mess when he came back, very quiet and withdrawn. He died two years later.” Margaret recalls the gift Uncle Bunny brought back for her – “my first and only doll. It was absolutely beautiful.”
The poppies will now be going home with their new owners, although some have chosen to leave their poppy in the Enliven garden.
