Handmade poppies transform Westbury for Remembrance

The Westbury community has come together to create a Remembrance tribute, with thousands of handmade poppies decorating the town.

Volunteers from Westbury Yarn Bombers, a local knitting and crochet group, have spent more than 2,000 hours since March knitting, crocheting, sewing and preparing the installation, using an estimated 30 miles of yarn.

The display features 45 posts along the High Street decorated with poppies sponsored by local groups and businesses, red and purple poppy swags around the War Memorial and handmade horse silhouettes.

Sewing sessions have been held throughout the year, with additional poppies donated from across the UK and as far away as Amsterdam.

Westbury Yarn Bombers founder Marisa Befoh said, “When Westbury Town Council first invited us to undertake this tribute earlier this year, I don’t think any of us could have imagined quite how much kindness, generosity and community spirit it would inspire.

“This is a Westbury community project, but the kindness and generosity have extended far beyond our town. Poppies have arrived from many different parts of the UK and even from Amsterdam, with people giving their time and creativity to help us bring this tribute together.

“We have also been incredibly fortunate to receive support from local businesses, community organisations, sponsors and individuals who have helped with materials, donations, practical assistance and encouragement.

“Our project has brought together different generations, backgrounds and abilities, all working towards something meaningful.

She said the display had become a lasting symbol of the community effort behind it, “We hope that this tribute will not only encourage remembrance and reflection but also provide meaningful support to those who need it. It is not just a display of handmade poppies. It is a tribute created by many hands, with many hearts, and a lasting legacy of remembrance for Westbury.”

The next stage of the display is the installation of the Yarn Bombers’ Wish Tree, giving residents the opportunity to share personal messages of remembrance while raising funds for the Royal British Legion and Combat Stress UK.

The messages will be added to the tree on Saturday 7th November.