Talented crafters’ new projects have boosted the commemoration of Remembrance in two communities.
A large horse design of purple poppies is marking the lives of animals which have died as part of Britain’s war efforts. The horse stands where School Road at Hurst meets the busy A321.
And at nearby Twyford their post box outside the Post Office has a ‘topper’ decoration for the first time. The topper includes many red poppies and an up upright wreath.
Hurst post boxes have had attractive toppers to mark events for some time.
Made of crocheted wool, the displays are the work of Hurst Hookers members who make outdoor displays using their knitting and crochet skills. The group now has 40 members, with 15-20 at each meeting.
The horse is a new addition to the Hookers’ dramatic Remembrance display at Hurst which includes hundreds of red crocheted poppies cascading from the village sign. They plan to have a QR code there for Poppy Appeal donations.
The Hookers’ work also includes white poppies which are used as part of remembering for peace.
As they erected the Hurst displays last Saturday drivers came to a halt to congratulate them. The group has a large following of admirers of their work marking many events including the Olympics, the King’s coronation and Christmas. People drive miles to see the displays.
Group member and professional artist, Manuela Kagerbauer of Twyford, said: “Twyford deserves to have a post box topper as well. I had plenty of spare time to help make poppies – while I recovered from my hip replacement.”
Her friend Helen Perry, also from Twyford, said that a Royal British Legion representative passing as they put up the Twyford display offered to provide a QR code there for Poppy Appeal donations.
Hurst Hookers’ leader Pip Etheridge said: “This is the fourth year we’ve had the poppy cascade at Hurst. Heather and David Howard did great work making the support for the horse.” She praised everyone for their support.
Anyone interested in joining the group which meets on alternate Thursdays at Hurst Cricket Club can contact them via their Facebook page.
