Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red

An unusual opportunity for me (Annie) today to take part in the creation of this wonderful art installation at the Tower of London, called "Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red". Marking 100 years since the start of Britain's involvement in the First World War, 888,246 ceramic poppies will progressively fill the moat at the Tower. Each poppy represents a British military fatality during the war. Knowing this, and knowing there are a lot more poppies to put out, looking at the sea of red already there really brings home the loss experienced during that war.

I joined a group of volunteers to assemble and "plant" a set of these beautiful, handmade ceramic poppies (harder work than you'd imagine!). My great friend Ruth, always up for an unusual day out, travelled down from York for the day to volunteer as well. The sun shone and we relished this rare opportunity to stand in the moat of the Tower, where the public is not normally allowed. So wonderful also to be a small part of this remembrance.

A very beautiful sight - do go and look if you get the chance. Click here for Chris' view, watching us work from the outer walls. A stunning perspective of more of the installation.

There are also still spaces to volunteer later in the year if you'd like to, and you can also buy the individual ceramic poppies (to be received in November once the installation is finished, and money to charity). Just search for "Poppies at the Tower of London".

What a great day.