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Hundreds join knit-a-thon to make remembrance poppies

Danny Fullbrook
News imageChelmsford City Council A young woman is attaching knitted red poppies to some large netting. There is a set of black handled scissors on top of the sea of poppies. Chelmsford City Council
Knitted poppies have been prepared ahead of future Remembrance Day celebrations

Hundreds of knitters have gathered to create handmade poppies for Remembrance displays later this year.

More than 200 volunteers took part in the "knit-a-thon" at Chelmsford Cathedral, making poppies which will be attached to 131-ft (40m) of netting before going on display in the city centre.

Similar events were held elsewhere in Chelmsford, including at Broomfield Village Care Home, where residents joined a simultaneous knitting session.

During the knitting event a representative of the Royal British Legion gave a speech highlighting the importance of remembrance.

News imageChelmsford City Council A composite image shows two elderly women knitting poppies with red yarnChelmsford City Council
Poppies were also knitted at Broomfield Village Care Home

A council spokesperson said: "The overwhelming turnout at the knit-a-thon, alongside contributions from groups across the city, highlights the strength of community support behind this year's Remembrance project and will help create a collective tribute that Chelmsford will remember."

Chelmsford CVS, which supports voluntary work in the city, said further events would be held in September to assemble the final displays.

News imageChelmsford City Council Two women are sat together in the cathedral, knittingChelmsford City Council
The knitting event took place in the cathedral

As thousands of poppies are needed to complete the project, those who have made poppies at home are being encouraged to donate them by the end of September.

They can be dropped off at Chelmsford Cathedral, the city council's civic centre office, or the Chelmsford CVS office.

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