Members of the club, run by Blaenau Gwent Youth Service, have worked with Head4Arts and artist Chris Walters to create the impressive sculpture out of metal and papier-mâché.
Youth Club Leader Josh Bowen says:
“Sometimes the involvement of young people in important national and local events can be low so we decided to work on a Remembrance project this year.
“The sculpture was thought of by the young people and was designed by them with the help of the artist Chris Walters. They dedicated their own time to work on the project every evening the club was open to get it finished in time. The young people then decided they would like to attend the Remembrance Parade in Ebbw Vale and take along their sculpture as a symbol of respect and gratitude for the sacrifice people gave during the wars.
“Whilst making the project, the young people have discussed the sacrifices and have gained knowledge and awareness of past and present events.”
Representatives of the Ebbw Vale branch of the Royal British Legion went along to the Log Cabin Youth Club in Hilltop to see the Poppy for themselves and give a talk about the role of Royal British Legion in the community. They said: “It was pleasing to see the youth club had got involved in a project to make a large model of a poppy to be used at the Remembrance Day parade. We have never seen anything like this.
“We were able to explain the meaning of the Poppy being a symbol of Remembrance and Hope for the future.”
Some of the young people who have taken part in the project are Chloe Davies, Natalie Davies, Chloe Thomas, Dylan Price, Keelan Curtis and Kian Powell.
The Ebbw Vale Remembrance Parade and Service will assemble in Bethcar Street near Wetherspoon’s, Ebbw Vale, at 10.15am, and at 10.30am will proceed via Market Street and Libanus Road to the War Memorial for the Service of Remembrance, which will commence at 10.50am. After the service, the parade will reform and march back up Libanus Road with the salute being taken in Market Street before being dismissed.
The Youth Club always welcomes new members. Junior Club (ages 7 and 8) is Monday’s 5pm - 7pm and Seniors (ages 9, 10 and 11) on Wednesdays 7.30pm -9.30pm.