Remembrance with Together in Ashfield CIC, Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, and ATTFE College

Ashfield takes great pride in its pioneering intergenerational work to honour local people who have served in the Armed Forces and support services. This includes the creation and installation of iconic ‘Tommy’ silhouettes and striking large-scale red poppies across the District. Led by Together in Ashfield CIC and community partners like ATTFE College and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, these efforts highlight the dedication of volunteers and partners in crafting these meaningful tributes.

On this page, you can explore moving instrumental pieces composed by a local musician and read “Letters from the Front,” adapted from authentic historical materials by senior leaders at ATTFE College. Ashfield remembers the service and sacrifice of its people across generations and remains deeply committed to engaging the entire community in this important civic collaboration.

#InThisTogether

Remembrance Event

On the 2nd of November 2024, we gathered at St. Mary’s Cemetery and Ashfield Fire Station for a heartfelt Remembrance Event hosted by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The community came together, joined by ATTFE College staff, learners, and volunteers, alongside Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC HM Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, Lt Col Keith Spiers OBE, Councillor Keith Girling, and many other community figures.

Our Principal, Liz Barrett OBE DL, shared a touching tribute to her grandfather, Robert Rudolph Ellis, who served in WWII. This event reminded us of the power of community, collaboration and the importance of remembering those who served.

Event Photo Gallery:

Remembrance Paintings, Letters and Instrumentals

Afghan Letter Artwork
Falkland's Letter Artwork
WW2 Letter Artwork
Somme Letter Artwork

For the 2023 Remembrance Day, our construction learners at ATTFE College created four powerful paintings that depict scenes from wartime letters. The story behind these paintings is one of deep community collaboration.

Liz Barrett OBE DL, Principal of ATTFE College, has been a driving force behind the Sutton-in-Ashfield Remembrance Event for over a decade. After the 2022 event, it was suggested that Remembrance artwork could be displayed on the cemetery railings to ensure the Town and all who pass by would be reminded of those who sacrificed their lives in war and conflict.

Liz brought this idea to the ATTFE construction team, where tutors Billy Norman and Chris Styan developed a plan to create four original pieces of art. These paintings, produced by our construction learners, were inspired by “letters home” written by soldiers on the front line.

Billy also led the creation of original music to complement the artwork, with professional narration of the letters layered over the music. The letters, based on real historical documents, were composed by ATTFE Vice-Principal Simon Martin and Principal Liz Barrett, with a focus on local sources to connect the artwork to the Ashfield and Nottinghamshire community.

The result is a truly unique blend of art and music, a collaborative project that reflects the dedication of everyone involved and stands as a poignant tribute to those who served.

Behind the Scenes

Honouring Heroes: A Collaborative Effort Between Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and ATTFE College Learners for Remembrance Day

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and craftsmanship, learners from ATTFE College teamed up with the Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service to create striking Tommy figures in honour of Remembrance Day. These iconic silhouettes stand as a powerful tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered and respected by all generations.

The Tommy figures, now positioned throughout Ashfield, symbolise the soldiers who fought valiantly in the wars. Each silhouette tells a story of courage, commitment, and sacrifice, reminding everyone who passes by of the invaluable contributions made by those in the military. This project was more than just an art initiative—it was a true collaboration that united the community with a shared sense of purpose.

Crafting with Meaning

Under the guidance of ATTFE College tutors, the learners embarked on the intricate process of designing and constructing the Tommy figures. The project provided a hands-on learning experience, blending creativity with technical skills as they cut, shaped, and assembled each figure with precision. This initiative allowed the learners to not only enhance their craftsmanship but also to contribute to something larger than themselves—a meaningful commemoration that connects past, present, and future.

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Partnering for a Cause

The Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service played a vital role in the collaboration, offering their support and expertise to ensure the project ran smoothly. Beyond their typical duties of protecting the community, the Service’s involvement in such initiatives highlights their commitment to remembering those who served and supporting efforts to foster a sense of togetherness in the community.

Together, the Fire and Rescue Service and ATTFE College learners demonstrated that Remembrance Day is not just a time for reflection but also for active participation in honouring the past.

This project showcases the power of collaboration, community involvement, and the importance of honouring those who served. The partnership between Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and ATTFE College learners has left an indelible mark on the town and stands as a symbol of the strength of unity and remembrance.

Community Collaboration Creates Stunning Poppy Display for Remembrance Day

In a heartwarming show of unity and dedication, the Ashfield community came together to create a stunning poppy display in honor of Remembrance Day. Spearheaded by Ashfield Fire Station, this project involved various local groups, including the Community Volunteer Stars, Knit and Natter group, and New Cross Community Church. Their combined efforts resulted in a breathtaking tribute that symbolises the sacrifices made by so many in the Armed Forces.

A Display of Dedication

The creation of the poppy display was no small feat—it took weeks of planning, coordination, and hard work. Volunteers from different groups contributed their time and skills, coming together with one shared goal: to honour and remember those who have served. Whether through knitting, crafting, or assisting with the installation, every participant played a vital role in bringing this beautiful project to life.

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A Lasting Tribute

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Ashfield’s community groups and volunteers, this poppy display will stand as a moving tribute for Remembrance Day, reminding everyone of the importance of honouring those who served in the Armed Forces. The collaboration of local organisations, led by Ashfield Fire Station, is a testament to the power of teamwork and a shared desire to commemorate the past while inspiring future generations to remember the sacrifices that were made.

This display is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community comes together, creating a lasting tribute that will resonate with Ashfield residents for years to come.

Poppies and Tommy Figures Behind-the-Scenes

Poppies and Tommy Figures Installation – St. Mary’s Churchyard & Ashfield Fire Station