Schoolchildren across Hartlepool have bridged the generation gap this November by crafting handmade poppy candles and delivering them directly to local care home residents.
The Remembrance in Bloom initiative, created by independent local business Ignite Candles, has combined creativity and history to help young people understand the emotional and practical importance of remembrance.
Ignite Candles’ Remembrance in Bloom poppy candles.
Backed by a £3,200 donation from The PFC Trust and other support, the project has seen Ignite Candles deliver hands-on workshops at primary schools across the town, including St Cuthbert’s, Hart, Clavering, Golden Flatts, Greatham and Eldon Grove.
During the sessions, pupils learn about the symbolism of the poppy – focusing on gratitude, sacrifice and hope – before making their own bespoke candles to gift to the older generation.
Pupils pouring wax during a Remembrance in Bloom workshop.
The emotional impact of the initiative was fully realised when St Cuthbert’s Primary School became the first to visit Queens Meadow care home.
Pupils personally delivered their handmade creations and sang to the residents, sparking smiles and a touching moment between the town’s youngest and oldest residents.
Pupils with care home residents during the visit to Queens Meadow.
Craig Fraser, the founder of Ignite Candles and a former headteacher in Yorkshire for ten years, said: “We wanted to close the generation gap by going into schools to make poppy candles, and then go into care homes directly with the children.
“Seeing the children singing to residents reminds us exactly why projects like this matter. I have been a headteacher for a decade. And what I am seeing more of in the business world is how far apart people are.
“I want to build community links better and that all started from growing the business knowing the social value.”
Craig used the creative sessions to teach the children about more than just history, embracing the diverse and often unique designs of his own products to deliver a message of acceptance.
“I tell the kids about being weird and wonderful. We want kids to know there is no normal because we are all strange and different,” he said.
“I wanted to try to get that sense of community because Hartlepool has really grown us. We weren’t born in Hartlepool. But we now feel a part of it and we want to bridge it all together. I do believe businesses should have a social justice to help benefit their area.”
The initiative demonstrates the huge impact local enterprises can have beyond their bottom line.
Craig said: “Yes, we’re a retail business, and a small but growing one at that. However, we firmly believe that businesses have a responsibility to help build and strengthen the communities around them.
“If we can use our business to bring generations together, create opportunities for children, and put smiles on people’s faces, then that’s something incredibly special.”
Poppy candles made by pupils spelling out the word “love”.
Alongside The PFC Trust’s crucial funding, Remembrance in Bloom was also made possible through the backing of local sponsors Abacus Associates, Atterway and Woodturning Hartlepool.
Kelly Brooks, operations manager for The PFC Trust, said: “When we heard about Remembrance in Bloom, we knew we had to support such a fantastic cause.
“Our core mission is to improve the lives and wellbeing of the people of Hartlepool. By funding this project, we are not only helping children connect with history in a meaningful, creative way, but we are also helping to reduce isolation among our older residents.
“Seeing the joy these visits bring to both the pupils and the care home residents perfectly captures the community spirit we strive to champion.”
Poppy candles made by pupils spelling out “thank you”.
Ignite Candles operates from the Dutch Garden Centre in Hartlepool, where their handmade poppy candles are also available for the public to purchase.
Further details can be found at www.ignitecandles.net
Seeing the joy these visits bring to both the pupils and the care home residents perfectly captures the community spirit we strive to champion.”
-Kelly Brooks, Operations Manager, The PFC Trust
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