Flags of Thanks

Over the weekend, visitors to the 2019 National Armed Forces Day celebrations hosted in Salisbury were able to admire the work that has gone into the flags, which were the result of local charity Alabaré teaming up with the BBC’s Sewing Soldier, Lt Col Neil Stace.

The hand-crafted Flags of Thanks were created by passionate members of the general public from across the UK and further afield, including our Diocesan IT Manager, Alison Comlay.

Each flag is a very personal expression of gratitude to the Armed Forces Community, from those currently serving, to Veterans and cadets.

Now the exhibition is over, the general public will be able to sponsor having a flag made into a practical item, such as a sleeping bag or quilt.

Their sponsorship will go towards Alabaré’s Homes for Veterans, helping to change the lives of Armed Forces Veterans who are homeless and vulnerable.

Lt Col Neil Stace, also known as the Sewing Soldier following his appearance on the BBCs Sewing Bee, has been spearheading the project, running workshops with schools and community groups, and will be transforming the flags into quilts, sleeping bags and ponchos. He said:

"It has been a privilege to support Alabaré in their Flags of Thanks project. We have been overwhelmed by the amazing designs that we have received and such heartfelt messages of thanks. We are excited to share what is sure to be a moving tribute to our Armed Forces."