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Royal British Legion poppy appeal launched in Kent

The annual poppy appeal has been launched in Kent to commemorate the centenary of the Armistice.

Thousands of red flowers are on display at the county's favourite landmarks, raising money for the Royal British Legion.

The campaign will raise money for servicemen and women and their families, as well as honouring those who died in action.

Earlier this month, a stunning installation was revealed at Rochester Cathedral, featuring poppies knitted by members of the local community.

It forms part of Medway's 5,000 Poppies project, which last year saw more than 20,000 knitted, crocheted and felt flowers.

The poppy display at Rochester Cathedral. Picture: Rochester Cathedral (5038803)
The poppy display at Rochester Cathedral. Picture: Rochester Cathedral (5038803)

Gillingham's Royal Engineers Museum is also taking part in the initiative, which was launched in Australia five years ago, before becoming an international phenomenon.

At Canterbury Cathedral, a carpet of poppies has been laid at the feet of a magnificent wooden war horse.

An installation at the Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, forming part of Medway's 5,000 Poppies project
An installation at the Royal Engineers Museum, Gillingham, forming part of Medway's 5,000 Poppies project

The 20ft structure was built by students from the Canterbury School of Visual Arts, with the help of sculptor Clive Soord.

It marks the sacrifice of war horses, on the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War.

A poppy cascade was also installed at the city's Westgate Towers.

Students in Canterbury have created a 20ft war horse to mark the centenary of the Armistice
Students in Canterbury have created a 20ft war horse to mark the centenary of the Armistice
The poppy cascade has been installed (5040314)
The poppy cascade has been installed (5040314)

Yesterday, Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment re-enactors lined the streets near Tonbridge Castle, as an RBL display was unveiled.

Installations have also been revealed at Gravesend's Community Square, Tunbridge Wells town hall and Whitstable's Gorrel Tank car park.

On Sunday, a memorial tea at Southfleet Village Hall included people in period outfits, as residents shared their wartime memories.

A pop-up poppy shop launched at Bluewater on Monday and is one of just ten in the country.

All profits will go directly to the charity, and products include themed jewellery, clothing and homeware.

The Kent County Show also hosted the RBL's Every One Remembered sculpture in July, complete with a display of handcrafted flowers.

The Every One Remembered statue
The Every One Remembered statue
An installation by Folkestone's Purl Queens. Picture: Purl Queens
An installation by Folkestone's Purl Queens. Picture: Purl Queens

Folkestone's Purl Queens have been running a continuous poppy display since 2011 in the town's Remembrance Road.

This year, the group is planning a white poppy peace installation, which is being kept under wraps until Sunday, Novermber 11.

Other displays include the Murston HeArt Poppy Project in Sittingbourne, and artwork was on display at the Grafty Green fete in Maidstone earlier this month.

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