Greenfield & Grasscroft
Residents' Association
White Poppy Vigil – Saturday 8th November, 2pm
St Chad’s Gardens, Uppermill (by the Peace Pole in front of the library)
The White Poppy Vigil is an annual act of remembrance and a call for peace. This year’s gathering, organised by Saddleworth Peace Group, will take place on Saturday 8th November at 2pm in St Chad’s Gardens, Uppermill.
The vigil honours all victims of war—civilians and military personnel alike—regardless of nationality, faith, or status. In a world still scarred by conflict in places such as Gaza, Sudan, and Ukraine, standing together for peace feels more vital than ever. While our presence in Uppermill cannot end war, our silence would edge us towards complicity.
The Meaning of the White Poppy
The white poppy was first introduced in 1933 by the Co-operative Women’s Guild, in the wake of the First World War. Its creation stemmed from a deep desire to ensure that remembrance would never glorify war, but instead reflect a universal commitment to peace and the prevention of future conflicts.
Today, the Peace Pledge Union continues to produce and distribute white poppies as symbols of:
Many people choose to wear white and red poppies together, honouring both remembrance traditions while expressing hope for a peaceful future.