STITHIANS Church will once again become a canvas for a gentle but powerful tribute.

For the next two weeks, a projection of poppies will light the tower each night, inviting anyone passing to pause, look up and spend a quiet moment in reflection.

The tribute began last year and struck a chord across the village. Many residents chose to stop on their way home, some standing together in silence, others sharing a few words with their children about what the poppy means.

For some it was a moment to remember relatives who served. For others it was a way to recognise those who still serve today, and the families who live with that commitment.

This year’s projection is again made possible by the generosity of AquaRod South West, who have fully funded the projector. The installation and nightly running are delivered by the volunteers of the Stithians Christmas Lights team.

Claire Sylvester from Stithians Christmas Lights said, “We wanted to create a simple moment where people could pause after dusk and reflect. Remembrance matters here. It helps us say thank you, it helps us pass stories on to our children, and it brings our community together in a poignant visual and respectful way.”

Andy Proud, spokesperson for AquaRod South West, said: “Stithians is our home. We are proud to support a tribute that belongs to everyone in the village. If this projection gives even a few minutes of quiet reflection to someone walking past the Church, it has done something worthwhile.”

The projection will run each evening from now until Monday, November 17. There is no formal programme. The idea is to keep it open and accessible, so that people can stop as they are, in their own time.

The Stithians Christmas Lights team have thanked AquaRod South West for funding the projector and for their ongoing support of local events. The team also thanks the many volunteers who give their time to put displays in place for the village.