18,000 handmade poppies blossom across Woburn Sands in tribute to fallen heroes
Volunteers have joined forces to create 18,000 knitted and crocheted poppies
A 'poppy army' armed with crochet hooks and knitting needles has transformed Woburn Sands and surrounding villages, creating a display of 18,000 handmade poppies.
The red and purple woollen flowers form part of a charity trail across Woburn Sands, Aspley Guise, Aspley Heath and Bow Brickhill, running until 17 November.
Lorraine Hearn, Founder of Woburn Sands Poppy Army, said the project was about remembering those who lost their lives serving their country.
“It's a constant reminder of remembering those that made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. After all, we wouldn't be here if it wasn't for them,” she said.
Lorraine was inspired to create a field of knitted and crocheted poppies after volunteering on a similar display last year.
Initially hoping to collect around 3,500 flowers, she said the response quickly exceeded expectations, with contributions eventually reaching 18,000.
“Everybody sort of swooped in and said, 'yes, I can knit, I can crochet, I'd love to do something like this',” she said.
The project has attracted volunteers from overseas, including a knitting group in Hong Kong.
The display also features a specially commissioned wooden war horse, covered in approximately 37,000 crocheted links, alongside silhouettes of three soldiers approaching a horse in a field of poppies.
Lorraine estimates each stemmed poppy takes between 40 and 50 minutes to produce, highlighting the enormous amount of work involved.
She said the project had demonstrated the power of community spirit, adding: “When people come together, you can produce something very moving and very, very special.”
Money raised through the trail will be donated to the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.
Link to crowdfunder here.