by Sam Hawcroft
A Hedon knitting group have issued an appeal for help as they work to create a poppy display for St Augustine’s Church in time for Remembrance.
Members of the Knit and Natter group, who meet every Thursday at Hedon Library, have already made more than 100 knitted poppies, but say they would welcome support from other local groups, organisations and individuals who can knit or crochet.
The idea was put forward by outgoing mayor Cllr Phil Hinch, who asked the knitters whether they would be able to help create a display for the church, which is known as the King of Holderness.
The plan is for the poppies to be attached to a cargo net and displayed on the church, with the permission of the vicar, Rev Sue Pulko.
The group has about 18 members on its books, though not everyone is able to attend every week or contribute to the project.
Members said they had seen similar displays elsewhere, including last year’s large poppy cascade at Preston’s All Saints’ Church, and were concerned about whether they would be able to make enough in time without help.
Christine, one of the knitters, said: “There are about 15 or 16 of us, but not everybody does it, so you can’t expect everyone to make them.
“We have been making them and taking them to the town hall, but it is a massive undertaking.”
One member has made more than 50 poppies in a week, aiming to complete 10 a day before taking a break.
The group have also been using their own wool, though Cllr Hinch has said he will donate money towards supplies for the Hedon knitters.
He said there was no need for anyone to panic, with several months still to go before Remembrance in November, and added that the display could be adapted to the number of poppies received.
Cllr Hinch said: “We can make something from what we’ve got. There is no pressure on anybody.”
He said he hoped an old cargo net could be provided through the Army or local cadets, which would then be used as the base for the display.
The knitters are now hoping others in Hedon and the surrounding area will get involved by making poppies at home, through craft groups, community groups or other organisations.
People can follow various simple patterns that the knitters use – and the group said the poppies did not all need to be identical.
Christine said a basic poppy could take around 15 to 20 minutes for someone who can knit.
The Hedon group, which has been running for about 13 years, meets from 2pm to 4pm every Thursday at the library. As well as social knitting, members have also used donated wool to make items for Ukraine.
Anyone who can help make poppies is asked to get involved and return completed flowers to the Hedon group or the town hall.