SSAFA Wiltshire launch 100 Hearts for 100 Years Community Arts Project

Saturday the 7th of February will see SSAFA Wiltshire launch their unique community arts project which will commemorate 100 years since the First World War.

The 100 Hearts for 100 Years project will recreate the moving pincushion ‘sweethearts’ which were created by wounded WW1 soldiers as they recuperated from their injuries. SSAFA Wiltshire, with help from the Royal School of Needlework, has teamed up with various community craft groups to make 100 new ‘sweethearts’ which feature the badges of regiments which passed through the county on their way to the Western Front. Final decoration of the hearts will be made through a series of initiatives involving soldiers, veterans and schoolchildren.

Councillor Teresa Page, Swindon’s Mayor, will officially launch the project at the Swindon Debenhams store on Fleming Way at 11am, with the cutting of a pincushion cake provided by Brogans. In attendance will be soldiers from 280 MC Sqn RLC and local Army Cadets, together with Chelsea Pensioners, thus signifying the support SSAFA gives to the whole Forces family.

Debenhams Swindon will also play host to a display of stunning wire figures of a WW1 Soldier, Sailor and Airman made by Peter Lovegrove. These figures will be on display on the ground floor from Monday the 2nd of February.