Aimed at knitters, but poppies from felt or fabric also gratefully received.

“We want to create Britain’s Biggest Knitted Purple Poppy to help us launch our 2019 Purple Poppy Appeal in support of animal and military charities – and we need your help…”

The War Horse Memorial have reintroduced the purple poppy emblem to recognise and remember all animals – in war or in peace – that give service, support and companionship to people all over the UK and beyond. The idea came from their good friends in Australia and New Zealand. They knitted purple poppies in their thousands to acknowledge their animals. Now they are sending hundreds of poppies they’ve made to get the appeal started. All the poppies received will then be sewn altogether to make a giant cloak. They plan to have a very special celebrity or two wear it for them ahead of their national day on August 23, 2019.

This simple pattern should make a good number of poppies from one ball of wool or yarn. If you want to be adventurous they’’d be delighted to accept any giant poppies you might want to make.

Please send your poppies by Friday 19 July 2019 to The War Horse Memorial, 18, Ascot Towers, Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LG.

If you can’t knit but want to get involved then you can make poppies out of purple felt or fabric. All contributions welcome!