14,000 handmade poppies adorn Rotherham’s market hall to mark end of WWI

THOUSANDS of handmade poppies from all over the world are on display at Rotherham’s market hall — which has turned red to mark the end of the First World War.
By Adele Forrest
Published 23rd Oct 2018, 10:10 BST
Updated 23rd Oct 2018, 10:15 BST
L-R: Lyndsey Otterwell and Ann SavageL-R: Lyndsey Otterwell and Ann Savage
L-R: Lyndsey Otterwell and Ann Savage

The Rotherham Poppy Cascade — which features 14,000 lovingly hand-crafted poppies — was unveiled on Monday by the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Alan Buckley.

Also in the market hall is a Rotherham Remembers wall of fallen heroes, eight soldier silhouettes, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund, and a life-sized display of a replica tank.

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The project was the brainchild of market traders, including Ann Savage and Lyndsey Otterwell, who were inspired by The Tower of London 2014 poppy installation.

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The poppies have been knitted, sewed and crocheted by volunteers and groups — including people from as far afield as Australia and America — then hand-sewn onto a hessian background.

“We can’t believe how it has taken off,” said Ann. “The whole community has got behind the idea.”

Lyndsey added: “It’s unbelievable how much it’s snowballed since the markets committee came up with the idea in February.

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“In March, we were worried we wouldn’t get enough but we have easily reached the target and there’s still more coming in.”

Cllr Denise Lelliott, Rotherham Borough Council’s cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “It’s been fantastic to see our local community come together, young and old, to work on this project.”

The Poppy Cascade will be available to view until November 17.

Town centre businesses will also be doing their part to commemorate the centenary by putting up themed window displays in the run up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday on November 11.

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Other Rotherham events in the run up to Armistice Day will include:

  • A special display in the York and Lancaster Regimental Museum, Clifton Park, to commemorate the centenary.
  • Scottish Army Reservist Robin Hood will be passing through Rotherham on October 31 during his charity walk to London, pulling an 18 stone statue of a Gordon Highlander.
  • A street party organised by Rotherham’s market traders to mark the end of the Poppy Cascade installation.
  • Rotherham’s annual Remembrance Day parade and service on Sunday, November 11.
  • A poppy cascade at Whiston Parish Church, which will be launched in the week before the Remembrance weekend and on display throughout November.
Related topics:RotherhamAustralia