Remembrance Day at Linburn Garden
On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month many people will observe a minute’s silence as an act of respect and remembrance for those in the armed forces who paid the ultimate price to protect our nation, and as act of hope for peace in the future.
Each year, at Cyrenians’ Linburn Garden we’re proud to work with 500+ veterans and their families. Throughout the year we work with Scottish Veterans Wellbeing Alliance partners and volunteers to organise themed family days and outdoor workshops, a time to learn together, build confidence, have fun and restore relationships.
The service is co-designed with veterans and requested developments this year have included women only and men only groups, along with LGBTQ+ and Foreign and Commonwealth community projects.
At Linburn Walled Garden, just outside Edinburgh, Cyrenians provide a safe environment that promotes mental well-being, social connection, and successful community integration for those with lived experience of military service. As one family member said “With veterans, some have good memories, some have bad memories and it’s a place [Linburn] they can all come together and talk about their experiences. There’s stillness, quietness and serenity. It makes a difference; it gives a purpose.”
At this time of year, many people choose to wear a poppy as a visual sign of respect. Traditionally we think of red poppies to remember those lost their lives but poppies can also be purple, to remember the animals that died as victims of war; the black poppy commemorates the largely untold histories of Black, African and Caribbean communities to the war efforts; and some choose to wear a white poppy to highlight the need to focus on peace and ending war.
Every year our staff and volunteers are proud to create this beautiful display of crocheted and knitted poppies, expertly attached to the striking red branches of dogwood shrubs in the Walled Garden in Dollar Park, Falkirk. And thanks to the general public many of whom add their own coloured poppies too. Every year these gorgeous hand-made poppies are hand washed, dried and safely stored for an appearance next year.
Remembrance Day on the 11th November is a day for all of us to reflect not just on the sacrifices made during World Wars One and Two but conflicts through the generations across the world, including those that are happening right now.
Upcoming Events at Linburn
Men only Wreath making
Thursday 3 December
Come and join our men's group at Linburn Walled Garden on Thursday 3rd December to make a beautiful festive wreath with natural materials. There will be plenty of mulled juice, mince pies and banter! From 10am. To book a place email veterans@cyrenians.scot
Military Families Christmas Fun Day
Saturday 12 December
Come and join us at Linburn Walled Garden's annual Christmas Fun Day for families with a military connection. The garden will be filled with festive cheer alongside games and activities for all the family and plenty of refreshments. From 11am-2.30pm. To book or for more information email veterans@cyrenians.scot