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Last week over 22,500 knitted, crocheted and felt remembrance poppies were displayed at a special event hosted by the Royal Engineers Museum in Medway as part of a community led project.

Organised by Nucleus Arts, a community arts programme based in Medway, the project was supported by Kent based housing association Golding Homes, which funded £600 towards the cost of the wool to make the poppies, through its Community Chest Fund.

Workshops were held with local groups and over 1000 people were involved in creating the poppies, which far exceeded the original target of 5,000.

The project was based on an original idea from Australia when two textile artists, Lynn Berry and Margaret Knight, set out to crochet 120 poppies to 'plant' in honour of their fathers on Remembrance Day 2013. 

Caroline McBride, Head of Community Development at Golding Homes said: “It was wonderful to see so many beautifully made poppies on display, which were individually created in remembrance of those who have died or suffered at war.  We were delighted to support such a worthwhile project.”

Genevieve Tullberg from Nucleus Arts said: "This project was not just about the poppies, it's about the people and what Golding Homes has enabled is for everyone to get involved."

Graham Huckins, Operations Manager at the Royal Engineers Museum said: “We are delighted to have been able to host this event. This remembrance has captured the imagination of over 1000 individuals which is amazing.”

Golding Homes offers grants of up to £1,000 through its Community Chest Fund for charitable organisations or groups to run activities and deliver projects that will benefit their local community.  For more information and how to apply, visit our Community Chest Fund page.