75,000 handcrafted poppies bring Chelmsford together for Remembrance
75,000 knitted and crocheted poppies have been sewn on to lengths of netting to create fantastic displays across Chelmsford.
More than 75,000 handmade poppies are transforming locations across Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers, creating striking displays to celebrate Remembrance Day.
The displays are part of Chelmsford's first Poppy Festival, supporting this year's Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. For months, thousands of people from across the district and beyond have been crafting poppies by knitting, crocheting and sewing to create installations that can now be seen in Chelmsford city centre and South Woodham Ferrers town centre.
Where to find the poppy displays:
• High Chelmer Shopping Centre
• Chelmsford Indoor Market
• South Woodham Ferrers bandstand/ town centre (to be installed Wednesday)
• Chelmsford Cathedral (to be installed soon, subject to weather conditions)
• Chelmsford City Council Civic Centre/ war memorial (to be installed shortly subject to weather conditions)
“Each poppy tells its own little story”
What started as a community idea quickly grew into a district-wide project coordinated by Chelmsford CVS, with support from Chelmsford City Council, Chelmsford Cathedral, South Woodham Ferrers Town Council and High Chelmer Shopping Centre and dozens of community organisations.
The result is an extraordinary collection of displays featuring around 75,000 handmade poppies, each one created by a volunteer and carrying its own story.
People of all ages and backgrounds took part. Contributions came from care homes, community groups, schools, workplaces, knitting circles, faith groups and families. Poppies even arrived from further afield, including Nottingham, Norfolk, Blackpool and Australia.
Volunteers worked alongside each other knitting, crocheting and sewing poppies to make the displays come to life.
More than 200 people joined a special knit-a-thon event at Chelmsford Cathedral in August, while around 250 volunteers attended various sewing sessions to help assemble the displays.
What makes the project particularly special is its inclusivity. The poppies were created by people from many different communities, including members of Chelmsford's Ukrainian community and others personally affected by conflicts around the world, each contributing their own hopes for peace and remembrance.
Sally Medd, from Chelmsford CVS, who helped coordinate the project, said:
“"More than anything, this project has shown just how much passion, enthusiasm, generosity and good humour there is in our community.
Sally Medd, Deputy CEO and Projects Manager at Chelmsford CVS
"We've seen people give up hours and hours of their time, groups come together to help one another, and complete strangers become friends over a pile of poppies and a cup of tea.
"Almost no two poppies are exactly the same. Different sizes, different shapes and different shades of red. Each one made by a different pair of hands and each one with its own little story."
The project was officially launched at High Chelmer Shopping Centre, where volunteers Jenny Brown and Anne Oddy were recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster, praised the volunteers behind the displays:
“"Thousands of volunteers have helped make this project happen, giving their time, skills and creativity to create something truly remarkable. These displays are a fitting tribute for Remembrance Day and a wonderful example of community spirit at its very best."
Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Lynne Foster
Jenny Brown and Anne Oddy (pictured with Chelmsford City Council Leader, Cllr Stephen Robinson) have been recognised for their outstanding contributions.
Special recognition was given to Jenny Brown, who helped spark the idea for a Chelmsford project after feeling inspired by Southend Pier’s poppy display last year, and Anne Oddy, who attended every sewing session and devoted countless hours to assembling the displays.
While this year's festival marks the first of its kind in Chelmsford, organisers hope it will be the beginning of something even bigger.
By bringing together thousands of people from different generations, backgrounds and communities, the project has not only created a powerful visual tribute for Remembrance Day but also formed new friendships and demonstrated what can be achieved when people work together.
Residents are encouraged to visit the displays over the coming weeks, take a moment to reflect, and support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal.
Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade road closures
In Chelmsford, there will be a Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade held at the war memorial outside the Civic Centre on Duke Street at 10.55am on Sunday 8 November.
The service, including a two-minute silence, will be led by The Dean of Chelmsford, The Very Revd Dr Jessica Martin. The service will commemorate military personnel who died in war, marking the moment the First World War armistice took effect at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Due to the number of people expected to attend the Remembrance Sunday service, there will be additional road closures this year to keep people safe. The closures will be in place between 10am and 12.30pm.
Roads affected, either in full or in part, include the following: Broomfield Road, Burgess Springs, Cedar Avenue, Cornhill, Coval Lane, Duke Street, Fairfield Road, Market Road, New London Road, Park Road, Railway Square, Railway Street, Rainsford Road, Threadneedle Street, Tindal Street, Townfield Street, Viaduct Road, Victoria Road, Victoria Road South, Wells Street, and Wicks Place.
The bus station will be closed during this time, and alternative temporary bus stops will be in use.
More details about exactly which parts of these roads will be closed, including a map, can be found on the city council website at: www.chelmsford.gov.uk/remembrancemap.
