South Tyneside youngsters take a lead role in creating Hebburn Cemetery’s Remembrance display
A group of youngsters have played a key role in creating Hebburn Cemetery’s yearly Remembrance display.
Praise has been heaped on a group of South Tyneside teenagers after they’ve helped bring a poignant Remembrance tribute to life.
The youngsters have been working alongside the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery to create the annual Remembrance display, which can be seen along Victoria Road West.
Volunteers have been placing hand-knitted poppies along the railings of the cemetery - with a full display set to be revealed in the grounds at around 4pm on Saturday afternoon (November 7).
Hebburn Cemetery plays a key role in the town’s annual Remembrance traditions due to the HMS Kelly collective grave being based there.
Much like every year, a service will be held in the cemetery on Remembrance Sunday (November 8) to honour those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
‘Their parents should be really proud of them’
John Stewart, the chairman of the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery, has expressed his pride in the work that the youngsters have put in to ensure that the Remembrance display looks as good as it does.
He said: “It looks excellent so far and none of it would be possible without the work that the kids have put in.
“They are here every Sunday to make sure that the cemetery is kept clean and tidy and they take pride in everything that they do.
“Even with the schools being off for half-term last week, they were still here putting poppies on the fence.
“They’ve been marvellous and their parents should be really proud of them.
“It is very important to always remember those who gave their all for us so it is only right that we should pay tribute to them.
“That’s why I always ask people to get out and buy a poppy to help support The British Legion.”
‘Extremely proud to see the display’
Betanya Brownson and Oscar Lumley, both aged 15, are part of the youth volunteer group who have been helping the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery bring this year’s Remembrance display to life.
Speaking about their pride in being able to make the display a reality, Betanya said: “We started the second week in October - we usually come here every Sunday but we’ve also been coming during the week to help put the poppies up.
“We do it so we can remember the fallen soldiers who gave their lives for our freedom.
“When I walk past it, I’m very proud of the work that we’ve put into making it possible.”
Oscar added: “We’ve been here every Sunday morning and then coming down on week nights after school - all while trying to work around our revision.
“I’m extremely proud to see the display and it looks amazing this year.
“At the start of this, we didn’t have many poppies so to get enough to fill the display is great - everyone is really happy with how it has turned out.
“I’ve been coming to the cemetery since I was a child so to be able to participant in creating the display means a lot to me.”
You can keep up to date with the work of the Friends of Hebburn Cemetery at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036526136509412/.