The Next of Kin Exhibition at South Ayrshire Council’s Rozelle House in Ayr has attracted more than 2,460 people since it opened in July. The exhibition gives visitors a great insight into how the First World War affected South Ayrshire and Scotland.
[Pictured: Making poppies – it’s harder
than it looks, but Councillors have a go.]
The latest activity as part of the exhibition was a poppy craft session. This free activity was an opportunity for visitors to learn how to knit, crochet and create poppies.
[Pictured: – Poppies take shape.]
The scarlet poppy has a long association with Remembrance Day as the poppy was one of the only plants to grow on the otherwise barren battlefields of northern France and Flanders in 1914.
[Pictured: The result of all that concentration.]
Councillor Bill Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: “The Next of Kin exhibition is both inspiring and humbling and pays tribute to those people from South Ayrshire and Scotland whose lives were affected by the First World War.
“The poppy is a very powerful symbol and was adopted by The Royal British Legion as a focus for their appeal to support people who have served in the British Armed Forces.
“Making the poppies was an amazing experience although it was not as easy as it looked! I would encourage everyone to go along and see the exhibition, you will not be disappointed.”
The exhibition, which runs until 28 September, includes objects from official and private sources, including items passed from generation to generation which are of immense sentimental value to their owners.
The exhibition was previously on display at the National War Museum in Edinburgh Castle and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the National Museum of Scotland as well as the Scottish Government. It looks in detail at individual stories, the impact of the war on servicemen and women and their families back home in Scotland. Objects on display include postcards and letters, photographs, medals and memorial plaques.
Many related activities are taking place such as an opportunity to trace your family history back to WW1.
For more information about the exhibition or the related activities CLICK HERE.
The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, Sunday 12 noon to 5pm.
South Ayrshire Council is a Founder Member of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.
