The Mayor of Solihull is encouraging all local residents to showcase their creativity by knitting or crocheting poppies for a special Remembrance Sunday installation at St Alphege Church this November.
Solihull Parish are organising the appeal for knitted and crocheted poppies after a member of the Lode Heath community, Ann, suggested bringing the local community together to create a display inspired by the famous ceramic poppy installation at the Tower of London to commemorate the First World War centenary.
Last week, the Mayor met with Ann, two members of Solihull Parish staff, and Elaine Butler representing the Royal British Legion, to learn more about the planned installation.
The Mayor of Solihull, Cllr Shahin Ashraf MBE, said:
“I’m so happy to be supporting this knitted poppy appeal and I’d like to encourage everyone to get involved. Whether you’re a seasoned craftsperson or you’d like to try out a brand-new hobby, why not be a part of this heartfelt tribute and let your handiwork contribute to a powerful display of unity and remembrance.
“When communities are united by an important cause it’s a strong reminder of what we can achieve when we work together. I can’t wait to see how St Alphege Church is transformed when the installation is completed in November.”
Elaine Butler, President of the Warwickshire & Birmingham County RBL, said:
“At the Royal British Legion, we are dedicated to raising awareness that remembrance isn’t just one day a year. There’s so many ways that we can honour the soldiers who fought before - and the dedication of our current servicemen and women - all year round.
“This appeal is a wonderful opportunity to bring the Solihull community together, even at a time we might not necessarily associate with remembrance. I hope people are inspired to pick up their knitting and crochet tools to take part in this remarkable project and show their support for the Armed Forces community.”
Suzette Maguire, Solihull Parish Church Army Officer and Pioneer Minister, said:
“As soon as Ann suggested a poppy installation to me, I knew we could make something really special for Remembrance Sunday this year. Thank you to everyone who has dropped off their poppies already, thank you to Ann for her brilliant suggestion and to Revd. Nick Parker for making it possible at St Alphege Church. Please keep sending them in and together, I hope we can create a vivid and vibrant display to honour our soldiers.”
Solihull Parish are asking for poppies to dropped off by the end of September. The drop off points are:
- Listers Audi Birmingham, Shirley
790-820 Stratford Road, Shirley, B90 4BQ
- Solihull Parish Office, Solihull Town Centre
Oliver Bird Hall, Church Hill Road, Solihull B91 3RQ
- The Greville Arms, Elmdon Heath
Cornyx Lane, Solihull, B91 2RB
- Arena Hair and Beauty, Elmdon Heath
51 Yew Tree Lane, Solihull, B91 2NX
- John Lewis – Customer Services/Customer Collection Point
Touchwood Shopping Centre, Homer Road, Solihull B91 3RA
- Sainsbury’s Solihull Superstore - Kiosk
11 Poplar Way, Solihull, B91 3BX
For more information or for poppy patterns, please contact Suzette Maguire via s.maguire@solihullparish.org.uk.