A Fife pensioner has paid tribute to the Armed Forces by installing a memorial display in her garden on Remembrance Day.
Margaret Thomas from Leven wanted to pay her respects to those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
The 85-year-old curated a display in her front garden featuring life-size soldiers created out of paper mache.
Amongst the other items on show at her property on Rose Terrace are medals and photographs dating back to the First World War.
While the soldiers were created by the the former spinning mill worker’s own hand, other items were handed down and acquired through charity shops.
Speaking to The Courier, Margaret said the displays have been a feature at her home over the past five years.
‘Display has grown over the years’
She said: “I use to go around with a doll’s house in Leven to raise money for charity including the Royal British Legion.
“In more recent years I’ve being doing the Armed Forces display to raise money.
“I know people are struggling this year, so I’ve just put the display out to say thanks and pay my respects to those who served.
“The display has grown over the years with the British and Lion Rampant flags.
“I’m getting a wee bit older now but thankfully my neighbours and friends give me a hand to set it out.”
Whilst Margaret has attracted a number of visitors to the exhibit over the years she’s also shared her family’s experiences within the Armed Forces.
Margaret’s uncle, Thomas Pearson McDonald, sadly died at the Battle of the Somme at the age of just 22.
She added: “My family had strong connections with the Armed Forces.
“My mum, Mary, sadly lost her brother during the Battle of the Somme during the First World War.
“There is a picture of him on display, her cousin was also sadly killed at sea during the conflict.
“My father served as a private during the Second World War as well.
“Whilst I’ve shared my own family stories we’ve also got a letter a woman received after her husband died in hospital after suffering an injury during battle.
“It’s almost hard to imagine the level of sacrifice that people gave and losses people suffered.”
‘Important that we never forget’
As Margaret paid her respects on Remembrance Day she admitted this may be the last year of the exhibit.
She said: “I’m pleased when people come and visit they also recognise the level of sacrifice people gave.
“Not just the people fighting the in the battles but their loved ones back home.
“It’s so important that we never forget.
“This may be my last year for me placing all these items in the garden like this.
“I might do something next year but it will be on a much smaller scale.”
Conversation