By KATH GANNAWAY
A PROJECT that began as a small personal tribute to two World War 2 soldiers, blossomed into a world-wide phenomenon, part of which is on show in Warburton.
Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight set out to make 120 poppies for Remembrance Day, 2013, in memory of their fathers.
Community interest in the project grew quickly and within two years contributors from toddlers to centenarians around the world, had sent in over 250,000 hand-made poppies in a display of respect and remembrance to those who have served their country in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
“These craft poppies have been ‘planted’ in all manner of war-related sites all over the world, and we are proud to display a representative selection here in Warburton,” said Warburton RSL project co-ordinator, Coral Reynolds.
Ms Reynolds said the amazing diversity and creativity of the poppies is astounding.
Mounted on eighty 4 metre x 1.2 metre boards, the knitted, crocheted and sewn poppies present a stunning display.
“Everyone was given the same idea – just to make a poppy, but to see such a vast diversity in the interpretation, and from so many people, is just wonderful,” Ms Reynolds said.
Warburton has eight of the panels which will form a backdrop to the President’s Dinner tonight (Friday) and remain on public display at the Warburton Bowls Club from Saturday, 19 March from 2pm to 5pm and each day from noon to 4pm until Easter Monday.
Admission is free.
To follow the story of the chat about knitting a few red poppies that became a world-wide phenomenon, visit www.5000poppies.wordpress.com or follow 5000 Poppies on Facebook.
