The idea to create a Poppy Canopy was born initially from seeing the concept in other caring villages around the country and I thought what was wrong with borrowing with pride…
Throughout the Covid period the Community really pulled together to help care and be kind to our older less able , people living with dementia and others who were lonely. After that terrible period I got to thinking how we could help others throughout the winter to give people less able and housebound a valued role and something to be part of. What is better than to look at old crafts like knitting and crocheting and creating something for anyone across all abilities. Interest in the project grew faster than expected. I engaged with a very popular local NFP local group Sharlston and Surrounding areas Gardening and Ecological Group and the founder, Julie Nicholson, felt that even though it’s not real flowers it was a theme and value her members would enjoy and worthy of the group participation.
After a little start up of self funding between myself and Julie’s group and the donations of knitting needles we felt we had enough emotional energy and support from the community to look for small pockets of funding and donations. We approached Sharlston Parish Council and the Wakefield Community grant who both were very willing to donate and sponsor. With that behind us we were able to really get started, Julie approached local businesses for wool donations and we were up and running.
We assembled starter kits to deliver door to door and very quickly had 40 willing crafters from promoting through local Facebook groups. This has continued to increase during the project. We went to see the head teacher and PTA who have now taught a group of children to knit and crochet with the support of volunteers , this means we have managed to engage across every generation in the community something we are very proud of.
The first indoor display was recently at the Parish Council’s open day where we received multiple compliments and warm appreciation at how it’s coming along.
We have regular cost free meet ups courtesy Community Centre management team where we provide refreshments home baking and a great laugh while sewing on the Poppies creating, as one resident said, our very own village work of art.
Our first Outdoor display was to celebrate the 80th anniversary of D Day on 6th June where we were given permission to display from the Red Wheel in the village for all passing traffic to admire.
We expect to be fully completed for November 2024 where we hope to have permission from St Luke church annually to commemorate and celebrate Remembrance Sunday, bearing in mind that in 2025 it will be the 80th anniversary for the end of the Second World War.
In addition we will be making a smaller version with purple poppies to remember the animals who lost their lives serving in the forces.
This began before I was on the Parish Council I was a committee volunteer.
Susan Pollard
