by Ray Duffill
Preston WI members have been busy this year knitting and crocheting poppies for a poppy cascade to adorn the village’s All Saints Church for Remembrance Day.
The poppy cascade was installed from the church turret courtesy of the generous support of Preston firefighters on Wednesday, November 6.
Barbara Bucknall took on the task of leading the project from the outset, and her determination and resolve to see it to completion has led her to become known to the other members as the “Poppy Queen.” Another member, Pam Witts, arranged to use the hobby room at Holderness Grange in Hedon as a base for the project, resulting in some residents taking part in the poppy knitting.
WI secretary Mary Wood said: “This was an idea hatched by our president, Linda McGowan, but once the challenge was set it soon became evident that this was a massive undertaking with an area of netting 15m by 4m, and just under 3,000 poppies needed to complete the project.
“Not to be thwarted, we have more than fulfilled our expectation to achieve this, and when poppy numbers started dwindling mid-year, we introduced a competitive element at our July and August meetings, rewarding the ladies producing the most poppies.
“Our winners – Sue Giles, June Grainger, Carol Elston, and Linda Black – made a massive 813 poppies between them over two months, with many of our ladies also producing big numbers throughout the year. We are so grateful to all of them, without whom this would have been mission impossible!”
As this project reaches fruition, Preston WI is now working towards its Christmas craft and gift fair to be held in Preston Community Hall on Saturday, November 16, from 1pm to 3.30pm. The fair will feature quality crafts, tombola, and refreshments including mince pies and mulled wine, and they are hoping for a good attendance.
Preston WI meets at 7.30pm every last Tuesday of the month, and new members are assured of a warm welcome and are guaranteed to make new friends. Anyone wishing to become a member can call 01482 817584 for more information.
