UK: Stubbins memorial cannon supports Royal British Legion
Stubbins is commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1 by remembering and celebrating the lives of the many who fought and died for their countries in two world wars and other conflicts.
The Stubbins Memorial Cannon, which is located in Copped Hall, is a simple, yet poignant piece of art, created entirely from soil and grass seeds. To view a film created to assist the fund-raising effort, go to http://www.stubbins.com/poppy-appeal
Peter Turone, Stubbins’ managing director, said: “We grew up as a very family-oriented company and every family has been touched in some way by the events of war during the last 100 years. We have reached a new phase in our business, which has an established brand and dynamic new practices and aspirations, and while we have rightly been celebrating our own progress over the last few months, we didn’t want to let this anniversary of World War I to pass without showing our respect for the hundreds of thousands of brave people who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world to enable us to live and work in a peaceful and prosperous country.”
“When Victoria told us she was creating the cannon to commemorate the lost soldiers of World War I, we felt we could support both something worthwhile in our local community and the wider British public by raising funds to assist the tireless and highly valuable work of the Royal British Legion, we are asking our network of industry colleagues to donate to this magnificent cause in a historic year. It’s a wonderful creation and it is derived from the land – very much like our business of 50 years.”
Victoria volunteers as a gardener at Copped Hall and had previously created several natural art installations at the peaceful Essex venue. She said: “I first discovered Copped Hall five years ago and when I walked through the gate of the walled gardens I couldn’t believe my eyes. My childhood passion for gardening and horticultural knowledge all came back to me and I have never looked back.
“Earlier this year, I received a request from a group of the volunteer gardeners asking if I could grow a cannon for our WW1 open day. I went away drew a simple design and realised that I could do it. I created a frame and incorporated some soil and grass seeds and watered it daily until it grew. It took three weeks to grow completely. The wheels were the biggest challenge, but once a few of the grass seeds germinated it created a shelf inside the wheels and the other grass seeds were able to cling on and grow too.”
Stubbins felt the cannon was a perfect way to symbolise its efforts to raise money for a magnificent cause. “To donate and to watch our short film, please go to http://www.stubbins.com/poppy-appeal,” said Peter. “Every penny that is donated to the cause will be hugely appreciated, both by Stubbins Food Partnerships and the Royal British Legion.”
For further information or to talk to someone at Stubbins about the fund-raising effort:
Please call Paul Andrews: 44 (0) 1992 713200 or email Paul.Andrews@Stubbins.com
The film is also available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLdMud1ZAyE