Hamilton Court residents give Tommy a new uniform for Remembrance Day

Residents of Hamilton Court proudly crochet an old soldier with a new suit of clothes ready for inspection before Armistice Day

For some residents living within the safety of the Masonic Housing Association’s sheltered accommodation at Hamilton Court, South Woodham Ferrers, the horrors of the last World War are more than just history, they are memories of hardship, courage, and resilience.

So, when South Woodham Ferrers Town Council invited some of the lady residents to help give Tommy, the town’s symbolic soldier, a new suit of clothes in time for Remembrance Day, the opportunity was met with delight and enthusiasm.

With ageing hands and eyesight that has seen better days, the ladies set about crocheting hundreds of poppies to adorn this old soldier, carefully stitching on many more that had been kindly donated.

The commission came from Councillor Alan Shearring, the Town Mayor, who presented Tommy in a rather dilapidated state, with the brief to have him back on parade, smart, proud, and ready for inspection before Armistice Day.

Tommy had clearly endured a difficult ‘last tour of duty’, so the first task was to rebuild his physique, which was cleverly achieved by stuffing him with a redundant duvet. Then began the labour of love, crocheting the countless poppies required to complete his new uniform.

In true wartime spirit, the residents gathered daily in the lounge, chatting, laughing, and soldiering-on together until the job was done. When the final poppy was sewn in place, Tommy stood tall and once again, a figure of remembrance, resilience, and community pride, ready for Armistice Day inspection.

Looking splendid in his new uniform, Tommy is currently standing outside South Woodham Ferrers, Champions Manor Hall Community Centre, reminding us all, of the enduring strength of community and the importance of remembering those who served.

Ken Turner, Hamilton Court Charitable Association Secretary, said: “This wonderful effort by our residents captures exactly what the Masonic Housing Association stands for: compassion, community, and shared purpose. It’s heartwarming to see such dedication to remembrance from those who lived through those challenging years.”

The Masonic Housing Association is committed to providing affordable, quality sheltered housing to Freemasons, their family connections, and others in need who are over the age of 55 and able to live independently.

Read more:

The Masonic Housing Association website: https://masonichousing.co.uk/

The Association celebrating 50-years at Hamilton Court: https://www.essexfreemasons.org.uk/news/mha-50

Photo:

Resident ‘Sewing Bees’ of Hamilton Court with Councillor Alan Shearring and Tommy