CHILDREN are being encouraged to paint poppies on pebbles as a way of marking this year’s Remembrance Day. 

John Saunders, from Purton, spotted the idea on Facebook after the parish council announced the cancellation of the remembrance service at the cenotaph. 

Children who want to take part can grab a pebble just outside John’s house at 16 Thompson Court. 

The 31-year-old said: “I thought that it was a great idea. 

“Due to the virus this year, it means that we as a village cannot remember those that gave so much. 

“I have got some rocks ready for children to paint and have put them outside the house."

He added: “The uptake seems to be really good, so I’m hoping by offering the stones that this will encourage more children to take part and learn about the history of our village. 

“I am hoping that they will look at the war memorial and learn names of the people from the village that fought in the war. 

“By them knowing the names of the people, it means they will be remembered by the next generation.”

John, who owns Boundary Property Management has been living in the village for eight years. “I love how the village has a community feel and spirit,” he said. 

“I completely understand the reasons for the remembrance service being cancelled this year. Purton always has a very good turn out around the war memorial. 

“It would be difficult to distance people while the event is happening.”

But he feels it is vital the day should be marked. He said: “For me, it’s important to remember what they gave up, so we can live as we do now. 

“But not only for the world wars, but the Afghanistan and Iraq wars as well. 

“There are incredibly brave men and women fighting so that we are safer and can enjoy the luxuries we have.”

In a statement, Purton Parish Council said: “Sadly due to COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings we will not be holding the annual remembrance service at the Cenotaph. 

“We request that each household remembers the fallen at their home address.

“Wreaths will be laid in remembrance at a non-public event.

It added: “Thank you for working with our community in remembering those who have fallen whilst keeping our community safe.”