More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A large window display honouring the armed forces will tower over shoppers in the run-up to Remembrance Sunday.
A Maidstone based organisation has produced a huge four panel piece with a semi- transparent stained glass effect with a detailed design to show the army, the Royal Air Force,the Royal Navy and another panel to show peace being declared.
One Maidstone Business Improvement District (BID) will unveil the piece on Monday, October 28 at the Mall, in Pads Hill, Maidstone, where it will be on display at the King Street entrance throughout November.
The Mayor of Maidstone, representatives of the Royal British Legion, serving members of the forces and veterans will be at the reveal ceremony to mark the special day.
BID manager, Ilsa Butler said: "As a Garrison town, Maidstone has a long and rich military history, and Remembrance Day is always a well observed and respected occasion throughout the borough.
"Representing the town centre as the BID, we felt it was fitting to produce a high impact piece that would create a real statement to mark this year’s remembrance campaign, hopefully provoking thought and reflection amongst the many shoppers and workers who use the Mall on a daily basis.
"The design has been created to depict the Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy, honouring all those who have given their lives and years of service to our country, in all forms of conflict, past and present. It’s deeply important to us that the work has the approval of the Royal British Legion and representatives of the forces, and we appreciate the support of those parties, and of the Mall in allowing us to use this space so effectively."
The local branch of the Royal British Legion will also be taking this opportunity to launch their Poppy Appeal in partnership with the shopping centre.
The Mall will also be replicating the artwork on an empty unit, formerly BrightHouse, on Floor 2, where poppy stalls will be stationed this year, and where a service will be held on Monday November, 12
One volunteer, Catherine Crowhurst said:"I feel that the artwork is a wonderful addition to the town. It is a beautiful representation of Remembrance which is extremely fitting at this reflective time of year. We are hopeful that the replicated artwork will draw the public to our Poppy Appeal stand."
Andrew Davy, the shopping centre's general manager said he was honoured to be taking part in the project.
He said: "As a centre, we are always very proud to support Remembrance Day, by providing space for poppy sellers and hosting our own remembrance service, so it was only natural that we would welcome One Maidstone’s efforts to improve visibility of this cause – it’s something we are very proud to support."
The printing of the artwork, no small task, is being carried out by local family business, Bisons.
