Pupils are getting creative with poppies as they participate in competitions marking the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion. In two of the challenges, supported by Scottish Widows, pupils are penning poems inspired by poppies and the theme of remembrance and are creating unique works of art made from hundreds of poppies of the type worn every November. They are also using the Legion’s famous symbol as the centrepiece for posters they are designing in the third competition, supported by Boston Group. The winning poster, selected from entries across all five key stages, will form the cover of the programme for the gala concert that will mark the end of the year of celebrations locally. The Angel and the Fallen takes place at the Villa Marina – appropriately on 11/11/11 – and will be a feast of musical items from secondary schools and other local groups. Winning poems will be included in the programme and the author of the best poem, chosen from key stages 2 to 5, will be invited to read it during the concert. Works of art made by schools from poppies will be on show at the venue on the evening. The competitions, which run until the last day of term (Friday 22nd July), form part of a menu of activities schools are taking part in to mark the anniversary. Vouchers/book tokens will be awarded to winners in the poster and poetry competitions and the school that contributes the winning work of art made from poppies will also win ?100 worth of art materials. Children can enter the poster and poetry competitions directly, rather than through schools. Details can be found at www.gov.im/education/competitions/ Boston Group is the lead sponsor of the 11/11/11 concert and Greg Ellison CEO, said: ‘Boston Group is built on strong values. We value endeavour, teamwork, supporting our people, our families and our communities, all of which align with the values of the Royal British Legion. We are confident that our schools will enter into the spirit of the competition and look forward to seeing the winning work.’ Dean Waddingham, Managing Director of Scottish Widows, said: ‘At Scottish Widows we play an active part in the life of the community. We are particularly pleased to be supporting the Royal British Legion’s poppy art and poetry competitions. The events allow the youth of our Island to show, through different art forms, their respect and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy.’ Eddie Teare MHK, Minister for Education and Children, said: ‘Pupils are learning that conflicts are not just something consigned to dusty history books but are going on this very day, involving young people not much older that they are. Sadly, resulting from these conflicts are people needing the financial, social and emotional support the Royal British Legion has offered unwaveringly for the last 90 years.’ Ends