Ex-Chester FC star helps create stunning poppy tribute

A former Chester FC winger helped create a spectacular Remembrance display of more than 1,000 handmade poppies to pay tribute to Britain’s fallen heroes.

Alec Croft, 88, who made more than 50 appearances for Chester between 1958 and 1961 before joining Bangor City, was among the residents of Pendine Park’s Hillbury House and Gwern Alyn care homes in Wrexham, who brought the heartfelt tribute to life.

The poignant spectacle, which is lit up at night, has been stopping visitors in their tracks ahead of this year’s Remembrance Sunday commemorations.

One of the centrepieces is a striking “waterfall of poppies” made up of exactly 1,111 individual flowers - chosen to symbolise the date of the armistice that ended the First World War – the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

A collection box is available at Hillbury House for any visitors who would like to make a donation in aid of the Royal British Legion.

Alec, who later worked at ICI as a pipe fitter after his footballing days and was once a keen gymnast, said the tribute was both beautiful and meaningful.

He said:

“It’s important to salute those who serve our country in any role. This display is an amazing way to say a heartfelt thank you – and it’s great for us to look out at every day.”

Cindy Clutton, the manager of both care  homes, crafted each poppy from plastic bottle bottoms, cutting them and spraying them bright red before adding black pipe cleaner centres.

Residents joined in the creative effort, helping to glue and arrange the flowers around the homes’ landscaped gardens.

Cindy said:

“It took months to make the poppies. But it’s nothing compared to the sacrifices of the men and women who’ve served our country."

Four separate installations have been created across the two sister homes.

At Gwern Alyn, residents helped plant 150 more poppies on stems outside the main entrance, alongside silhouettes of a solider and a purple poppy dog – honouring all the animals who served in conflict zones.

Gwern Alyn residents  Beryl Fowler and Gwen Davies proudly helped assemble the display. She said:

“It’s bound to bring a smile to anyone passing by,” 

Beryl added:

“The poppies look remarkable. It’s only right we pay tribute to those who’ve done so much for others.”

Other eye-catching features include a giant poppy wreath at the entrance to Hillbury House and a wooden soldier silhouette standing sentinel behind it.

The wreath was designed during art sessions led by Pendine Park’s creative art consultant, Jason Bennion, a professional illustrator who now helps residents – including those living with dementia – explore their creativity through art.

Jason said:

“It’s been lovely to see how proud residents are of what they’ve created. This isn’t just an art project – it’s an act of remembrance.”

For former footballer Alec Croft it’s a sight that means more than words can express.

He said:

“It’s a wonderful way to remember. Those who gave so much will never be forgotten.”

Pictured - A close up of the poppies which were made out of plastic bottles.