National Pride

The Poppy is a symbol not only of the Royal British Legion but of the amazing work done by the charity and the respect the nation carries for the men and women, armed forces, and civilians who have lost their mobility, suffer from PTSD, and often lost their lives in conflicts stretching back over 100 years.

The brainchild of Black Arts Co, Ian Cassie, the tribute involved two “original” DC3 Dakota Aircraft, that had both served in World War 2, dropping 3 Million poppy petals across London. The organisation required over a six-week period was enormous. 19 authorities needed to be involved and give permission.

As most of the poppies would land in the Thames as the aircraft headed from Tower Bridge to Westminster, so The Pool of London Authority, Thames Water and The Environment Agency needed to give the go ahead as did four Local Authorities, Network Rail, and the Greater London Authority. The CAA and Air Utilisation cleared the airspace across the capital, closed London City Airport to allow the Dakotas onto their flight path over the city and diverted air traffic to and from Heathrow. The Securitya Services and the Metropolitan Police gave support and vital clearance for the event whilst a BBC Helicam and OB Units filmed the flypast and sent pictures live to BBC Network Centre ensuring its continued use on the 6 O’Clock News and media outlets across the world.

It was funded and supported by Shell who encouraged the projection of giant poppies and messages on their Thameside Centre. The London Eye was lit in red, the first time ever, as were the bridges across the river as the planes were picked out by WW2 searchlights.

Following the success of the Poppy Drop the Black Arts in the form of then Creative Director Jai Harji, came up with the idea of creating a 50p coin with the Red Poppy on the back. This was greeted with great enthusiam by the Royal Mint at meetings in Cardiff but scheduled for 2021 being the anniversary of the formation of the Royal British Legion. However things did not move forward until the Bailliwick of Jersey produced a £5 version that made it’s debut at the FA Cup Final of 2021 as the coin used prior to the kick off of the game between Chelsea and eventual winners Leicester City, infront of His Royal Higness Prince William and his un-Royal Lowness Ian Cassie along with 6000 City fans celebrating despite Covid regulations.