Hamilton Court Residents Give Tommy a New Uniform for Remembrance Day

For some of our 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 our lady residents to help give Tommy 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 Cllr. 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 proudly once again, a figure of remembrance, resilience, and community pride.

Now looking splendid in his new uniform, Tommy will, we hope, stand inspection on Armistice Day.

You can see Tommy proudly standing outside Champions Hall from 1st November, reminding us all of the enduring strength of community and the importance of remembering those who served.

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.

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