Finishing touches.

With just one week to go to the unveiling of our War Horse Memorial, the finishing touches are being made to the Heatherwood roundabout in Ascot.

Work on the plinth is now completed and the bronze lettering has been added. Poppy remains covered in her tarpaulin coat which will soon be replaced with a purple fabric mantle, ready for her grand unveiling and dedication at 11am on Friday, June 8, 2018. Messages of support have been received from HM The Queen and the Prime Minister’s office in Downing Street. Special guests included the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mr James Puxley and The Mayor of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Councillor Paul Lion. Representatives who have travelled from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, America and France will be in attendance and horses and soldiers dressed in authentic World War 1 uniform and kit will join trumpeters from The Household Cavalry Band to add to the significance of the occasion.

From conception to creation The War Horse Memorial has taken over four years to complete, with funding from both public and private donations. The project will form a catalyst for an on-going fundraising campaign to support military and equine charities, principally The Household Cavalry Foundation and the Mane Chance Horse Sanctuary. This will be done through the sale of purple poppies leading up to an annual National Purple Poppy Day on August 23, to remember the service and sacrifice of horses in wars and conflict.