A REMEMBRANCE service with white poppies will be held in Swindon a week before Armistice Day.

Swindon Quakers will host the special hour-long service in place of their regular gathering at their meeting house on Eastcott Hill from 10,30am on Sunday, November 4.

The red poppies produced by the Royal British Legion are usually the most popular choice for Brits on Remembrance Sunday, as these poppies symbolise the sacrifices made by the British armed forces in armed conflicts.

White poppies were created to remember all victims of all wars, past and present.

Cherry Lewis, the clerk for Swindon Quakers, explained: “The white poppy symbolises peace and opposes militarisation.

“The white poppy and red poppy are not in opposition - some people choose to wear both.

“There is no disrespect intended to the courage and heroism shown by the military.

“Speaking personally, I think the argument is that we should avoid the high costs of war rather than celebrate those who suffered through it.

“I always go to the armistice service and it’s very moving.

“We host our alternative service the week before so that there’s no clash. It’s a quiet occasion but this year we want to get more people involved.

“All are welcome, we’re very inclusive and recognise that people of faith and of no faith have more in common than of difference.”

There will be readings, music and periods of quiet reflection, with handmade wreaths and displays of white poppies on show inside and outside the venue.

Cherry added: “These poppies represent a commitment to creating a world where conflicts are resolved with justice and without violence.

“This is the fourth time we’ve hosted an alternative remembrance service and, as it’s the centenary of the World War One armistice, we’re making our own displays this year out of textiles and recyclable material

“They should look really lovely.”

The white poppy was first produced by the Peace Pledge Union in the 1930s.

A spokesperson for the pacifist campaigning organisation said: “We want to remember British military dead, but they are not the only victims of war.

“We also remember the many civilians who have died or suffered in war.

“Nearly 100 years after the end of the ‘war to end all wars’ we still have a long way to go to put an end to a social institution that even in the last decade has contributed to the killing of millions.

“Suffering does not stop at national borders, and nor should remembrance.”

For more information, visit swindonquakers.org.uk