A SHOW commemorating the First World War is to be staged at Ringwood’s Meeting House on August 2, after playing to a packed hall in Alderholt last month.

Poacher’s Moon will perform Poppies Red and Cornflowers Blue, which was written by the band’s John Anderson.

The show was written and composed over two years and involved a huge amount of research.

The resulting story, told with original music and song, poems and narrative before a backdrop of evocative images, follows the lives of soldiers from rural England.

The stories are true stories of local families such as William Cottrell and his young wife Millicent from Corfe and Jack Counter from Blandford, who won the VC for his bravery.

The band comprises Ray Tower on guitar, Christina Harden on vocals, Caroline Anderson on keyboard and flute, and Ringwood storyteller Pete Gritton on percussion and reknowned folk cellist Gill Redmond.

This performance is suitable for everyone aged 12-plus. Tickets are £8 or £7 for concessions. The doors will open at 7pm and there is a bar. Refreshments are available.

To reserve tickets call 01425 476324 or email rhmtickets@gmail.com The non-profit-making band will also be bringing their other production The Land Remains to Alderholt on September 27.