Lochmaben Father and Son Craft Remembrance Artefacts Used Worldwide to Honour War Dead
In a heartwarming display of craftsmanship and dedication, a father and son duo from Lochmaben are producing remembrance artefacts that are being used globally to honour the war dead. Callum and Niall Patterson, of CGP Welding, have skillfully created poppies, soldier statues, and regiment badges that have been cherished not only across the UK but also in France and the United States.
As the demand for poppy day, on November 11th, increases, Callum and Niall have been diligently working to meet the needs of this solemn occasion. Working out of the old dairies industrial estate in Lochmaben, Callum expressed, “We make all kinds of plaques, pieces of music memorabilia, etc., and for the past 12 months, we have been making remembrance figures and poppies. The biggest batch is at this time of year, but we make them all year – it’s important to remember all year round, isn’t it? The local British Legion will benefit from sales.”
Each piece is meticulously designed by Callum and Niall before being crafted in steel on a plasma cutting table. After shaping, the artefacts are painted and coated, bringing them to life. With Niall taking on the technical aspects and managing social media where they sell a significant portion of their pieces, the Pattersons have found success in spreading their creations online.
Locals can find these poignant artefacts for sale at the Granite Kitchen in Dalbeattie and the visitors’ centre in Castle Douglas, as well as on Facebook. Additionally, Callum and Niall showcase their work at the Dumfries town centre market, allowing more people to appreciate and purchase these meaningful pieces of remembrance.
This touching story of a father and son dedicating their craft to honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering and respecting the heroes of the past, not just on special occasions but throughout the year.
Insights:
The story of Callum and Niall Patterson exemplifies the power of craftsmanship and dedication in preserving the memory of those who served in wars. Their commitment to creating artefacts that carry deep meaning and significance is not only a tribute to the past but also a way to keep the spirit of remembrance alive in the present day. Through their work, they are contributing to a legacy of honouring and cherishing the sacrifices made by generations before us, reminding us of the importance of never forgetting the bravery and service of our war heroes.