DUSTY red poppies from its last remembrance service were a moving reminder when a Poole church was re-opened after several years.

"One of the most poignant sights when we went into the church was the poppy wreaths from the last Remembrance Day, still lying on the War Memorial, thick with dust," said Sally Parker.

The former St Osmund's Church in Bournemouth Road, Parkstone, was made redundant by the Church of England and bought this year by a charitable trust, which re-opened it as an Orthodox Church.

Now it is to continue its Service of Remembrance tradition during an open weekend for local people, with an exhibition highlighting the stories of some of the 94 servicemen commemorated on the war memorial.

"There is tremendous local affection for the church and interest in the plans for its future, so we decided to have a weekend when people could come in, have a look around and meet the trustees who will be visiting from America for the event," said Sally, who is organising the day.

"The scale of the slaughter in the First World War in particular can be hard to take in, knowing that 72,000 men whose remains have not been found are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial on the Somme is hard to grasp," she said.

"But when you find out they include William Cochrane, aged 19, whose mother lived in Edward Road in Parkstone it suddenly becomes more real."

Sally is seeking relatives with memories, pictures or stories to share. A small museum area has also been created in the church and again she would welcome any help.

The church will be open from 3pm to 6pm on Saturday, November 12 and the service takes place at 3pm on the Sunday with the Mayor of Poole, Cllr Lou Knight, and RBL and service organisations represented.

Anyone who can help with the Roll of Honour or church memories can contact Sally Porter on 01202 690127.

First published: November 3, 2005