Knitted needers to back Rotherham Market poppy cascade

A ROTHERHAM version of the poppy cascade which inspired the nation is set to take over the town’s market hall — and Advertiser readers are being urged to get their knitting needles clicking to help make it happen.
From left to right are: Luke Ellis, Karen Davis, Alison Longden, Joseph Cullumbine, Lyndsey Otterwell, Ann Savage, Gillian Martin and Simon Butler. 180541From left to right are: Luke Ellis, Karen Davis, Alison Longden, Joseph Cullumbine, Lyndsey Otterwell, Ann Savage, Gillian Martin and Simon Butler. 180541
From left to right are: Luke Ellis, Karen Davis, Alison Longden, Joseph Cullumbine, Lyndsey Otterwell, Ann Savage, Gillian Martin and Simon Butler. 180541

Thousands descended on the Tower of London in 2014 to see the unique installation Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red, which featured more than 800,000 ceramic poppies.

Now market traders in Rotherham have banded together to create a display of 14,000 knitted, crocheted and sewn poppies to hang from the balcony rails of the main market hall.

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Trader Ann Savage, a member of the working group behind the poppy cascade project, said she hoped the display would be in place by the end of October, giving crafters six months to turn their vision into reality.

“The London display inspired us and we also thought it would be a good way to bring people together and do something for the community,” said Ann, of Ann’s Candy.

“What we need now is volunteers who can knit, crochet or use material to produce poppies we can display.

“We have a unit set aside in the market where people can come and make poppies, too.

“We have 200 already so we’ve just got started.”

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The target date for the cascade to be fully installed is October 22 and it is hoped it will remain in place until at least the end of November.

Visit the Poppy Cascade Rotherham page on Facebook for more information on how to get involved or drop by any market stall for a poppy knitting pattern.