Memorial poppy crosses presented to Spa pupils

Memorial poppy crosses presented to Spa pupils

25 June 2025

A LOCAL councillor has presented memorial poppy crosses to pupils at Spa Primary School so that they can mark the anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme.

DUP councillor Alan Lewis provided the poppies, which will be signed by each P4 pupil at the school and placed at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval, France, during the annual commemoration service on July 1.

Cllr Lewis said he wanted to ensure the local community were able to be “a part of the commemorations and afforded an opportunity to pay their respects”.

“I am delighted that this year both Spa and Cumran Primary Schools have agreed to take part in this initiative,” he said.

“Each P4 pupil will sign their name or write a short message on the back of the poppy cross which will be placed at the Ulster Memorial Tower.”

Cllr Lewis said it was a “great honour” to travel annually to the battlefields in France, taking part in memorial services at Leper, Thiepval, Lochnagar, Newfoundland, Guillemont, Tyne Cot and Poperinge on behalf of constituents.

“It’s particularly poignant this year because my eight year-old daughter Olivia will be joining me,” he said.

The Ulster Memorial Tower was one of the first memorials to be erected on the Western Front and commemorates the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division and all those from Ulster who served in the First World War. 

The memorial was officially opened on November 19, 1921, and is a close copy of Helen’s Tower which stands in the grounds of the Clandeboye Estate, near Bangor.

Many of the men of the Ulster Division trained in the estate before moving to England and then France in early 1916.

“Every year on July 1, a memorial service takes place at the Tower to mark the anniversary of the start of the Battle of the Somme – the children’s crosses will be placed as the service begins,” Cllr Lewis added.