A group has been meeting up at Gilbert’s Cafe at Le Grand Courtil for Knit and Natter sessions, and people on a Facebook group have been knitting for the project too. Others are sending donations from as far afield as Scotland and Manchester.
‘It all started with a phone call from a friend in Sark,’ said organiser Tessa Le Gallez.
‘Brian Le Page, owner of Island Deliveries, called me to ask if I could help organise some crocheted poppies for a Remembrance display being created in Sark.
‘As the number of people joining the project grew, I suddenly realised we were likely to receive enough poppies to create a display here in Guernsey too. I loved the idea of the people who had spent so much time making them being able to see their work on display, particularly as not everyone would be able to travel to Sark.’
In Guernsey the display will be at St Julian’s Avenue.
‘The display will also include a hand-painted mural, which is currently being created by local artist and Army veteran Louise Mitchinson. Remembrance is particularly close to Louise’s heart, which makes her involvement in the project even more special,’ said Ms Le Gallez.
She said she wanted to get involved with the project as a way of continuing her late dad Geoff’s legacy.
‘Dad taught me from a young age how important it was to remember the fallen. Every year he would create an amazing Remembrance display in his garden, and anyone who knew him will probably also remember his wonderfully colourful Union Jack suits,’ she said.
‘I know he would have absolutely loved seeing this project come together.’
Nicky Carre has also helped organise the project.
‘I think it’s taken people’s imagination because crochet 10 years ago was kind of a niche granny thing, but now it’s quite cool. you’ve got people like Tom Daley making it more trendy,’ she said.
Lucie Waylen has been helping crochet poppies.
‘I thought it would be really lovely to get involved because we always do every year,’ she said.
‘I think it’s a lovely way to help the community of a smaller island to be able to provide a Remembrance display of their own.
‘It’s still really, really lovely and it’s very relaxing, after a busy day it’s nice to sit there and not just be looking at the television or the iPad.'
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