Remembrance Wish Tree planned for town

A new initiative will bring a Wish Tree to Westbury for this year’s Remembrance commemorations, with residents invited to contribute messages and help raise money for two veterans’ charities.

The display is being organised by the Westbury Yarn Bombers, with residents able to make a donation to Combat Stress UK and the Royal British Legion before choosing one of the group’s specially prepared Remembrance poems. 

Those taking part can then add their own personal message of remembrance, thanks or reflection to the poem, if they wish. 

The poems will be added to a Wish Tree at the Rotunda in the town centre, with the display growing around the tree depending on the number collected. 

Anyone wishing to take part can do so at Cards Plus on the High Street, where a donation box and 100 Remembrance poems are available. 

Westbury Yarn Bombers founder Marisa Befoh said, “The idea is to create something meaningful and visual while, most importantly, raising as much as we can for the two charities.” 

Fundraising days have also taken place at Morrisons, with another due to take place at Lidl on Saturday 17th October. 

The group said it was grateful to both supermarkets for allowing them to fundraise in their stores. 

The Wish Tree is part of a wider Remembrance project being organised by the Westbury Yarn Bombers, with local residents and businesses also supporting their Poppy Post project. 

The group has been creating handmade crocheted poppies to decorate posts in the High Street, with hundreds already made. 

Pictured: Karen and Claire from Cards Plus