Local leaders have unveiled the latest developments in the delivery of the new £20 million Pride in Place funding. On Friday, October 24, Beverley and Holderness MP Graham Stuart met with South East Holderness ward councillors Sean McMaster, Lyn Healing, and Jon Dimberline, as well as a government official from the Ministry for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, to plan how the 10-year funding programme will be implemented.
Previously announced, communities across South East Holderness will share the £20 million over the next decade, aimed at rejuvenating local facilities, services, and opportunities in the area. Southern Holderness is among 145 areas nationwide identified as having high levels of deprivation, with up to £2 million per year available.
The funding area will operate under the name “Southern Holderness,” with East Riding Council serving as the accountable body. However, spending decisions will be handled by a newly formed Pride in Place Board, which will include at least one local ward councillor, MP Graham Stuart, and residents or community representatives as the majority members. Additionally, an independent chairman will be appointed in consultation with the MP.
Community Spirit Shines in Withernsea’s Poppy Appeal Launch
The Withernsea community has joined forces to launch this year’s Poppy Appeal. The official launch took place on Saturday, organized by the Withernsea branch of the Royal British Legion, with support from St Nicholas Church, Withernsea RNLI, RAOB, local Scouts, and Withernsea High School students.
Stalls were set up at Tesco and Aldi, where veterans, their families, and Scouts sold poppies and merchandise to engage the public. A centerpiece of the launch was the iconic poppy cascade, installed at the Pier Towers and coordinated by volunteer Darren England, with assistance from the RNLI crew following delays caused by earlier bad weather.
Darren England expressed gratitude for the community’s involvement, stating: “Both groups did incredibly well, and the public, as usual in Withernsea and South Holderness, have been incredibly generous. It’s heartwarming to see people taking photos of the poppy cascade—it really brings the town together.”
Withernsea RNLI press officer James Medcalf said: “We can’t take credit for the incredible poppy display, but the dedication of Darren England and his team truly reflects Withernsea’s community spirit. Fundraising is vital to the RNLI’s shared mission of saving lives at sea, and we are proud to support such local initiatives.”
Metal Poppies Create Lasting Tribute
As part of the Poppy Appeal, Year 10 design students from Withernsea High School collaborated with the RAOB Tower Lodge to create 100 metal poppies, displayed at town entrances. Head of DT Amy Norris praised the students’ contribution: “They cut, painted, and assembled over 100 poppies efficiently and worked collaboratively. The students are thrilled to see their creations displayed for the remembrance project.”
Kim Wallis, admin assistant at the school, added: “Funding secured by Darren England from RAOB Tower Lodge enabled us to produce extra poppies that are now beautifully displayed along welcome signs at all entrances to Withernsea.”
Community Events and Fundraising Efforts
On Saturday, October 25, the Friends of St Nicholas Church hosted a poppy launch at St Nicholas Church, unveiling a handmade display by Dawn Wharam, alongside a raffle to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal. Darren England, chairman of the Friends of St Nicholas Church, remarked: “The dedication of residents truly showcases the unity and community spirit in Withernsea.”
Upcoming remembrance events include:
Sunday, November 9:
- Service at Withernsea Methodist Church, 10 a.m.
- Service at the new war memorial, 11 a.m.
- Blessing of the memorial clock at St Nicholas Church, followed by refreshments at the Meridian Centre.
Tuesday, November 11:
- A wreath-laying service at the old war memorial, followed by refreshments at the Meridian Centre.
Saturday, November 1, and Sunday, November 2:
- Withernsea Army Cadets will collect donations for the Poppy Appeal at Tesco from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Residents wishing to contribute can visit the RNLI shop at the Pier Towers, donate to the Poppy Appeal, and collect a poppy for remembrance. The shop is open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., leading up to Remembrance Sunday.
