Chelmsford CVS was pleased and proud to help coordinate this community project, which has seen more than 75,000 handmade poppies brought together in Remembrance displays at Chelmsford Cathedral, the Civic Centre, High Chelmer Shopping Centre, and South Woodham Ferrers.

What began as an idea from volunteer Jenny Brown grew into a district-wide effort, with thousands of people knitting and crocheting poppies.

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.

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.

Where to find the poppy displays:

• High Chelmer Shopping Centre

• Chelmsford Indoor Market

• South Woodham Ferrers bandstand/ town centre

• Chelmsford Cathedral

• Chelmsford City Council Civic Centre/ war memorial

Scroll down to see more photos, to donate to the RBL, and to view some of the groups involved…

It’s been a privilege for Chelmsford CVS to coordinate this project alongside Chelmsford City Council and our many wonderful partners.

Our thanks also go to every individual, community group, organisation, and business who contributed their time, skills, materials, or support.  People of all ages, backgrounds, faiths, and communities have played a part, each bringing their own skills, experiences, and reasons for getting involved.

The displays are a lovely reminder of what can happen when a community comes together.

Admirals Reach Care Home

Alexander Mews

Allianz

Braintree WI

Broomfield Village Care Home

Bubu’s Community Hub

Cats Protection (Sewing Group)

Chelmer Village Ladies Group

Chelmsford Cathedral

Chelmsford City Council

Chelmsford Garden Community Council

Chelmsford Lions Club

Chelmsford Men’s Shed

Chelmsford Markets

Chelmsford Museum Volunteers

Chelmsford City Parks Volunteers

Coffee Cup Crafts Group

Essex County Council

Essex Knitters & Stitchers

Essex Poppy Appeal

Hatfield Peverel Stitch to Enrich

Havencourt Care Home

High Chelmer Shopping Centre

Houghton Group

Kinder Essex

Kingpins Bowl Chelmsford

Ideas Hub

Lonton and Gray Sailmakers

Moulsham Lodge Community Trust

Moulsham Lodge Men’s Shed

New City Girls WI

North Elmham Knit & Natter

Orchard Springs WI

Palmer & Partners

Patch Chelmsford

Premier Print & Promotions Ltd

Probation Service, East of England

Provide CIC

Ramsden Heath Art Group

Rickard Luckin

Royal British Legion (Chelmsford Branch)

Saxon Queens WI

Soroptimist International Chelmsford & District

South Woodham Ferrers Town Council

St John’s Church

Tees Law

Ukrainians in Chelmsford

Widford Church

And, of course, the hundreds and hundreds of individual volunteers who contributed their time and talents.