‘Poppy Bus’ showcases Oscar’s winning design
AN EXCITED Oscar Frise posed next to his winning design on the ‘Poppy Bus’ this week when it was revealed his painted creation would be seen by people the island over.
After learning about the meaning of the poppy in school, Oscar, 6, came up with his own design for the competition put on by CT Plus.
It will mark Remembrance Day and pay tribute to the commitment and sacrifice of servicemen and women through the generations.
Oscar, who loves arts and crafts, was surprised with a visit by the bus to his school, Le Rondin, where all his classmates and teachers came out to share his delight.
‘I made two,’ he said.
‘This one is good, I’m happy.’
His mum in particular was very happy.
‘I’m so proud of him,’ she said.
‘It was a big shock, really as he struggles with holding a pencil and to see what he’s done is incredible.
‘When I found out, I tried to keep it hidden from him but it was impossible because he kept asking and I couldn’t hold it in any longer.’
There were over 30 entries this year, full of colour and Guernsey references, and it was only after CT Plus operations chose their favourite design that Oscar’s simple but striking and meaningful poppy was able to be printed on the back of the bus.
CT Plus marketing and PR officer Jon Ozanne said he had been thrilled to meet Oscar and present him with a canvas print of his poppy.
‘It’s very impressive,’ he said. ‘Having this on the bus means a lot and continues our competition’s aim to inspire and involve the younger generations in remembering what the poppy represents.
‘It’s been lovely to meet up with Oscar and his mum.’
Poppies are currently on sale everywhere and the Royal British Legion uses the donations to help members of the British armed forces, their families and veterans.
Local president of the RBL, Bob Place, came to see the winner and congratulate him.
‘This is such a great competition to involve all schoolchildren in what the poppy means,’ he said.
‘It keeps alive the memory of those who died for us.
‘He’ll [Oscar] be following that bus around the island now for the whole year.’
All entries to the competition will be displayed in the poppy bus on a dedicated panel.
A copy of this large poster will also be put in the Town Terminus Shop.
