Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

To mark the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy the community of Braunstone Town in Leicester decided to create a display of knitted poppies. The Banner featuring hundreds of hand knitted poppies, collected after an appeal for donations in the Braunstone Life community publication, are seen in red with white versions spelling D-Day 80 the banner is hung on the side of the Braunstone Civic Centre providing a dramatic backdrop to and complementing the memorial garden which itself is planted with red poppies and white flowers.

In 2021 after a years break The Victory Show returned to Foxlands Farm in Cosby Leicestershire. Featuring Historical Societies, re-enactments, Vintage Vehicles and Aircraft, history came alive for visitors to the popular annual show. We start our visit to the event with a marching band who lead us into the 100 acre site before a flypast and landing by vintage aircraft. As the action moves back to down to earth we see various vehicles in motion before a masterclass in reversing a tank. To the woods then where we are advised to wear our helmets and to beware of enemy shells. In a German camp they are playing chess whilst listening to a gramophone when a soldier brings news of a possible attack, Over in the allied trenches they are ready for action as they make a push toward enemy lines. We end on a letter (or maybe a report of the days events ?) being typed up, before tents are packed away for another year.

To those in battle, And those who fell, To all who served their country well, We will remember them. I visited the Poppies: Wave installation by Paul Cummins Artist & Tom Piper Designer. Presented by 14-18 NOW the poppies where initially conceived as part of the piece Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red at the tower of London but where on display at CWGC Memorial Plymouth as part of #PoppiesTour the work sees the Poppies cascade down the steps of the memorial and are intended to prompt a new dialog around the legacy of the First World War.

As part of Leicester City FC`s Remembrance Day fixture the games match ball was delivered to the King Power Stadium by an RAF Helicopter. The Helicopters arrival was followed by a silence in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in conflicts both past and present and a marching pipe band at half time.