KNITTERS across Redditch have crafted thousands of poppies ready for Remembrance Day.
Church members, led by Sarah Sherwin, Helen Jervis and Judy Bainbridge, launched the project in February to create a display of handmade poppies in the churchyard at St Peter’s in Ipsley.
Since then, nearly 4,000 poppies have been either hand-knitted or crocheted, by people ranging from ages five to 90.
Members of the congregation, the local Women’s Institute which meets at the church, and by families and friends spread out across the British Isles all got their knitting needles out to join in.
The main display can now be seen hanging from the church tower and may surprise some people as not all the poppies are red.
From the beginning of the project, it was agreed to include purple poppies to remember the animals and birds which lost their lives at war.
There are also white poppies which represent a commitment to peace.
As well as the annual Act of Remembrance on Sunday November 10, St Peter’s will be open from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 9 for people to come and visit the church.
In the afternoon, there will be a 1940s themed afternoon tea taking place from 12pm until 3pm. The church will also be open on Monday 11 from 10am until 12pm for anyone who wants to come and spend some quiet time to think or pray.
Helen said: “Many people have been involved in the poppy project and in organising the Remembrance weekend and to each and every one, we say a huge thank you for all their hard work.”
