Remembrance Sunday to be observed across Sussex
As churches across the diocese prepare to observe Remembrance Sunday this weekend, St Mary the Virgin Church in East Preston has created a stunning visual tribute. More than 11,000 knitted and crocheted poppies cascade down from the church tower, forming one of the largest known poppy displays in the South East.
The poppy cascade was created by the East Preston Yarnbombers, a group of about 40 local crafters known for their creative public art projects. With help from the wider community, they far exceeded their initial target of 4,000 poppies.
Fr Andrew Perry, Vicar of St Mary's East Preston, praised the Yarnbombers' efforts: "The Yarnbombers have a huge amount of Social Capital and are very well supported by the village. They came to me and asked if they could put a Poppy Cascade down the tower of St Mary's, and of course I said yes.
“Their creations are always brilliant, extremely well done and bring a smile to everybody’s face in the village. They usually to their thing for events such as Royal Things, the East Preston Festival - and on this occasion the 80th Anniversary of the D Day landings.
“They organised the Fire Brigade, the Royal British Legion, the Scouts, and got East Preston Parish Council on board. The appeal for poppies was launched in January. The reckoned they’d need 4,000 poppies (knitted or crocheted) by August to make it happen. So they asked the village. By about March/April they had over 11,000 poppies!
The overwhelming response allowed the group to create additional installations:
• A Poppy Trail linking seven Commonwealth War Graves in the churchyard
• Decorated bus shelters and benches
• A 'field of poppies' near local shops
• Interior church decorations
The poppy cascade has drawn visitors from far and wide, sparking renewed interest in the church and community: "Response has been incredible: hundreds of people have come from all around to see the cascade, walk the trail and pop into the church.
“It’s another example of the spirit of community life in East Preston. We’re a small community (about 6,500 souls) but with a great village feel. There is a LOT going on here, and people make some great things happen, all through the year. St Mary’s is part of that and always keen to offer a space or support and encouragement for creative or thoughtful ideas - by default we try and say YES!”
In his sermon preached at Mass recently Fr Andrew spoke about how the poppy cascade had been an act of Salvation. He said: “Salvation is to be found in community. Salvation’ contains all kinds of meanings and overtones: rescue, restoration, repair; being saved from something, being saved for something; given meaning, purpose, direction, hope.”
" Valerie Sharp, Secretary of East Preston Yarnbombers, expressed amazement at the community's enthusiasm: "The community support has just been phenomenal, we obviously captured the hearts of people in this village and beyond.
Nick Ward, branch Chairman of East Preston and Kingston Royal British Legion, lauded the project's impact on the Poppy Appeal: "What a way to launch the Poppy Appeal, which will make an awful lot of money which my branch and other branches can help veterans and their families.
"The poppy cascade at St Mary the Virgin Church stands as a powerful symbol of remembrance, community spirit, and support for veterans this Remembrance Sunday.”
Photo caption: Even the vicar was immortalised in wool a few years back.
Other poppy news
Members of Slaugham, Staplefield and Handcross churches have made thousands of poppies to decorate their churches inside and out in preparation for Remembrance Sunday. Bishop Ruth visited this week - pictured here with Vicar Carl and the project leader Carol.
