People from across Cardiff donated the poppies – with some even coming from the USA
VOLUNTEERS donated thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies to St Edeyrn’s Church to help create a 40ft cascade for Remembrance Day.
Leaders at the Llanedeyrn church, which dates back as far as the sixth century, say they were “overwhelmed” with the response after announcing the project in May 2024.
“As far as I’m aware there’s nothing like it in South Wales, it represents just how kind and generous the people of our parishes are,” said the Reverend Tina Parry.
Visitors to the church can make the most of the spectacular display as it will remain in place until next Sunday, November 17.
Chairman of Cardiff Central branch of the Royal British Legion, Phil Jones, who has been warden of St Edeyrn’s since 2020, estimates that they received more than 3,000 poppies from knitting groups, Guides, Brownies, various Cardiff churches and generous individuals.
“Poppies came from all over East Cardiff, across the city, and a couple from Seattle, USA,” he said. “The ones from Seattle told me the poppies cost them about $2 to make, and the postage was $20!”
Both the Rev Parry and Mr Jones insist that it would not have been possible without the team behind them.
Mr Jones’ wife Frances stitched together the thousands of poppies to create the cascade, which is mounted onto bamboo to keep it secure.
Hanging the cascade was one of the harder aspects of the project, he added.
“We assumed that the window to the bell tower opened, but it didn’t,” Mr Jones said. “In the end we had to attach some ropes, it was a real team effort.”
Worshipper Yvonne Rees, who lives in Llanrumney, is a member of the congregation whose father was at the evacuation of Dunkirk.
She said: “My 13-year-old granddaughter told me ‘Nan, I’m going to take up knitting and make you some poppies for the church’, and now hers are up there with the rest.
“It shows we’ve got a lovely community here and a lovely welcoming church.”
The poppy cascade will remain hanging from the bell tower at St Edeyrn’s until Sunday, November 17.
