Thousands of handmade poppies mark the season of Remembrance at Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford Cathedral has become a focal point for a city-wide act of remembrance.
Thousands of poppies hang from the cathedral tower as part of several installations across Chelmsford and the district marking Remembrance Day.
The display forms part of Chelmsford’s first Poppy Festival, coordinated by Chelmsford CVS in support of this year’s Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Chelmsford cathedral has partnered with Chelmsford City Council, South Woodham Ferrers Town Council and High Chelmer Shopping Centre to bring the festival together.
More than 75,000 handmade poppies feature in displays at the cathedral, High Chelmer Shopping Centre, Chelmsford Indoor Market, the Civic Centre and War Memorial, and South Woodham Ferrers town centre.
The poppies have been knitted, crocheted and sewn by people across the county and beyond, with many made at the cathedral.
In August, more than 200 people took part in a knit-a-thon, and around 250 volunteers subsequently attended sewing sessions to assemble the displays on netting.
Each poppy has its own story. Contributions came from care homes, schools, faith groups, knitting circles, workplaces and families, as well as from Nottingham, Norfolk, Blackpool and Australia. Members of Chelmsford’s Ukrainian community and others affected by conflict around the world also contributed, bringing their hopes for peace.
The Dean of Chelmsford, the Very Revd Dr Jessica Martin, said:
“Remembrance asks us to recollect people we never knew, and to the cost of wars many of us have been spared. Every poppy on the tower is the work of a pair of hands, and many were made by people who have lived through conflict themselves.
“It was a joy to see the nave full of people making them together over the summer, and we’re grateful to everyone who has had a part in this. This breathtaking display invites people to stop as they pass and remember, but it is also about the peace we pray for and work towards today.”
The poppies will remain on the cathedral throughout the Remembrance period. Visitors are welcome to view the display and, where possible, support the Poppy Appeal.
Remembrance at Chelmsford Cathedral
- Friday 6 November, 5.15pm: Remembrance Evensong
- Sunday 8 November: The usual services will take place at 9.30am and 11.15am, with an Act of Remembrance at 11am.
On Remembrance Sunday, the Dean will also lead the city’s service at the war memorial outside the Civic Centre on Duke Street, beginning at 10.55am.
