To keep the Crater in as near to its original condition as possible requires much time and effort. The foliage never stops growing and has to be trimmed back. Signs have to be erected and the site has to be kept clear of litter.
Clearing up near the entrance 2005 and installing signs 2006
The day before the Ceremony sees much activity in preparing the site. To assist in keeping the area around the Cross clear and to give wreath layers access to the Cross, temporary cordons are erected.
To enable the congregation to hear the Ceremony a sound system has to be temporarily installed. Two microphones, four speakers, an amplifier and petrol driven electricity generator are all vital.
All the wreaths that are to be laid have specially printed labels attached. The petals for scattering into the Crater are placed into some 25 or so boxes to enable petals to be offered to as many people as possible in as short a time as possible.
The red poppy has come to symbolise sacrifice on the field of battle and has become associated with remembrance. There is a large shell hole inside the Crater which is made to resemble a giant red poppy, which is then circled with 100 small white crosses. The sight of the red poppy from the rim of the Crater provides a reminder of the suffering that occurred hereabouts. But like everything else about the Ceremony it too has to be prepared.
The poppy inside the Crater being prepared 2005 and 2011
