ENTHUSIASTIC crafters have created a stunning tribute to fallen war heroes.
Holmes Chapel Community Yarn Bombers have knitted and crotched 3,500 red woollen poppies to adorn an arch around the figures of three soldiers.
A team of 40 ladies in the village led by Anita Armitt and Nicola Swinnerton spent more than 100 hours working on the labour of love.
The imaginative design is now on display at St Luke’s Church.
Mum-of-four Anita said: “This is our way of showing respect for our armed forces.
“We are also raising money for the British Legion Poppy Appeal.”
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Kind-hearted fundraisers have already raised £900 to pay for all the wool for the group’s public displays.
The team has been knitting and crocheting since July.
“We all love what we do,” said Anita, who supplied a variety of patterns for crafts to choose their own designs.
“People don’t realise how long it takes to put together.
“The poppies were on my dining room table for two and a half weeks. I spent six hours a day hand sewing them onto the design.
“But when you see it all come together, it is so worth it.”
The ladies were inspired by displays from all over the country.
“We like to be different,” said Anita. “We wanted to create the poppies falling down into a pool effect.
“We are all like little pieces in a jigsaw. Without one piece the display isn’t there.”
Their Remembrance Sunday display has already won acclaim from as far away as America.
The group wants to say a special thank you to Kris Swinnerton, who gave up his birthday morning to instal the display, David Maddock, create of the soldiers, and Michelle and Vicky Armitt.
In June, the crafters painstakingly created a seven-foot figure of the Queen to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Christmas yarn bombing will adorn the village in the coming weeks.
In the New Year, the group will start planning another royal design to celebrate the Coronation.
“We will be doing something completely different for King Charles,” said Anita.
“I can’t divulge any details, it is still a secret.”
Anyone wishing to join the crafters can contact them on their Holmes Chapel Community Yarn Bombers Facebook page.
To donate to the Poppy Appeal visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/holmes-chapel-community-yarn-bombers
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