FORCES veterans from the Forest of Dean came together for a unique poppy-themed mosaic experience to mark Remembrance Day.

Around 30 veterans, serving personnel and their families took part in a coaster-making session at Cinderford Rugby Club on Wednesday November 11.

The event was organised by the Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network and sponsored by local housebuilder Bellway.

It saw members of the local Armed Forces community gather for a 90-minute session, led by local artist Rachel Shilston, in which they created their own Remembrance mosaic coaster in the style of a poppy.

The Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network runs monthly HIVE (Help, Information, Volunteer, Exchange) sessions, funded by Forest of Dean District Council, to help former military personnel combat isolation and access specialist services. As this month’s session fell on Remembrance Day, the group decided to organise something a little bit different to mark the occasion.

Lots of mosaics were created at the event
Lots of mosaics created at the session. (Bellway)

Andrew Embling, from the Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network, said: “We had contemplated if we should still run the event and when we decided that we should, we started thinking about how we could do something a bit different that would be accessible to all ages and fun for everyone.

“The coaster-making session was a great way for members of the local Armed Forces community to socialise, have fun and try their hand at a new craft, all while keeping the spirit of Remembrance at the forefront of the day.

“It was great to see so many smiles on faces and we hope that those who took part will be encouraged to come along to future events. Our work has two vital components. It’s primary purpose is to create a safe space where like-minded people can come along and seek help and access services. The other aspect is to raise awareness of that community with business and organisations, making them aware that there is a community out there that has some specialist skills who could make excellent employees.

“While the funding we receive from the district council funds our monthly sessions, for us to provide any additional activities requires extra support. We are therefore extremely grateful to Bellway for their donation which went a long way towards covering the cost of holding this special Remembrance Day event.”

Bellway, which is building 200 new homes at its Forest Walk development in nearby Lydney, donated £200 towards the cost of holding the event.

Rhian Reid, Sales Manager for Bellway, said: “The Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network provides an invaluable service to former military personnel, helping them to access help, advice and support as they adjust to civilian life.

At Bellway, we are committed to supporting the local communities where we build which is why, conscious of the significant Armed Forces community which exists locally, we reached out to the group.

“We’re so pleased that our donation helped the group to organise this special poppy-themed craft event, putting smiles on the faces of veterans while helping to raise awareness of the services and support that is available to them.”

For more information about the work of the Forest of Dean Armed Forces Support Network, visit: fodarmedforcessupport.org.uk/.