Poppy Picnics held across the borough

Photo: Simon France

Poppy river in Hare Hill Park

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Poppy Picnics were held across the borough during the weekend to show support and to raise vitals funds for the Royal British Legion and the armed forces community in the borough.

On Saturday (20 June) The Friends of Hopwood Woods joined the Hopwood Hall summer fun day at the Middleton campus with a poppy fundraising event.

On Sunday (21 June) Poppy Picnics popped up across the borough.

Held at Falinge Park, those in attendance were invited to bring a picnic along for the event or were encouraged to grab something from the BBQ and join in with a range of vintage games such as the bat 'n' trap challenge, rounders, ladder golf, boules, apex maze, show ha’penny, bar billiards and bagatelle. On the main field, a giant poppy was marked out and poppies made by children were placed inside it until it was full of small poppies.

Queen's Park in Heywood played host to a number of activities including, a Punch and Judy show, children’s rides, a bouncy castle, stalls and also held a talent show to keep those in attendance entertained all afternoon.

Balderstone Park played host to a variety of activities including a cops and robbers bouncy castle, bucking bronco, a climbing wall, toy and cake stalls and face painters.

Balderstone Library was also open throughout the day for wanting to take part in craft making activities.

Arts and craft activities were on hand at Norden Jubilee Park from The Star Tree Studio as well as music, games and dancing taking place throughout the day. There was also the chance for families to buy their own picnics made by Café Eden by donating to the Royal British Legion.

The Rochdale Memorial Gardens poppy picnic was attended by singer Maria Manchester, the 40s Sweetheart, and Wardle Academy Junior Band who provided musical entertainment. There were also stalls, a bake sale and other activities including the Army Recruitment Team paintball pod.

In Littleborough, Hare Hill Park invited guests to join in with 'fabulous 40s picnic fun' with the band serenading whilst people ate. There were also games in Hare Hill House and craft activities in Littleborough Library. A poppy river was also created throughout the park.

Poppy Picnics is a national scheme which encourages communities to hold events and help raise money for the Royal British Legion. All of the money raised through similar events across the country will go towards the legion’s welfare work with servicemen and women of all ages and their families.