Pub’s poppy makeover as Remembrance Day tribute
The Blacksmith Arms owner, Danii Molloy, and her team of regulars gave the pub the touching makeover in respect of those who took part in battles over the years.
Molloy, 28, who took over the pub in Kingsley Holt, Staffordshire, last year, thought of the idea of painting poppies on the exterior of the pub after her customers suggested a tribute would be welcome.
She said: “My inspiration was to create something that everyone could relate to.
“Remembrance Sunday is close to nearly everyone’s hearts and, without the past generations’ sacrifices, many of us wouldn’t be here today.”
A poppy fresco
Molloy spent hours transforming the formerly green-coloured pub with a fresco of giant poppies.
She continued: “It took two days... after being rained off on the Saturday. But it was finished by Sunday.
“I had a lovely customer donate paint and ladders, and another customer donate extra ladders just in case.
“I had my friend, Rob Hines, anchor the ladder, so I didn’t fall off.”
Molloy explained her pub is community-driven, which prompted her to create something big for her and the locals to commemorate.
Remembering the forces
She added: “When people see it, I want them to remember the forces, remember why the poppy appeal exists, support our past, present and future forces.
“And donate to these if and when they can.”
The new look comes after the pub was re-listed as an asset of community value to protect the site from development.
This means if the building is put up for sale, residents will be given six months to raise the funds to take the pub over themselves.
