Purple poppy memorial unveiled in a Chesterfield park
74 hand made purple poppies feature in the display at Holmebrook Valley
Last updated 8th Nov 2021
The memorial is in place to honour animals who have died in conflicts.
Each poppy represents one animal to have been awarded the Dickin Medal, which is the animal version of the Victoria Cross.
The event was led by Councillor Ed Fordham, who coordinates the campaign for Dog Friendly Chesterfield.
He said: “It is a hugely untold part of our history about the role of animals in war and conflict and I am determined to see them recognised.
“The PDSA Dickin Medal is the only real tribute and with the purple poppy widely understood to be a complement to the red poppy campaign this seems a great way of marking this.”
Among those in attendance at the ceremony were horses Jazz and Sebastian, from Holymoorside, and East Midlands fire dog Dexter and his handler Dave, as well as local animal charities and pet industry professionals.
Councillor Fordham added: “There is so much to do to make Chesterfield Dog Friendly and this was one step on that journey, I’m grateful for the huge support we are getting from local people but also from business – notably Sorbo cafe, Quinney’s Pet Supplies of Littlemoor, Adorn and Twelfth Craft in the Shambles, but also the RSPCA and Chesterfield Animal Rescue.”