Hundreds of hand-knitted poppies help Falkirk mark Remembrance Day
Forth Valley Sensory Centre logo.
Hundreds of hand-knitted poppies, created by knitters at Forth Valley Sensory Centre, played a key part in Falkirk’s tributes to fallen soldiers on Remembrance Day.
The tribute was created by members of the Sensory Centre’s Knit and Natter group and displayed at the War Memorial in Dollar Park. The poppies formed the backdrop of the area’s Remembrance Day celebrations as a mark of respect to those who died serving their country.
Hand knitted poppies adorn a black cloth draped next to a war memorial plaque in a park.
The pattern was created by knitting group member and FVSC volunteer Lawson Eades, who taught her fellow knitters to create the poppies. Together, they made 200 poppies to show their support for the local community with their knitted tributes.
The knitting group meet every fortnight at Forth Valley Sensory Centre in Camelon. It is one of 30 social groups run at the centre, which are designed in partnership with centre users and allow people to explore their interests while combatting the loneliness associated with sight and hearing loss.
FVSC opened its doors in 2006 and has supported people with sensory loss and their families for nearly 20 years. It was the first centre of its kind to open in the UK, and acts as a community hub, offering support, advice, practical help, and social opportunities for people across the Forth Valley who have sight and/or hearing loss. The centre has around 20,000 visitors every year, who come to use anything from its popular café, community garden and sensory room, or benefit from its wide range of activities, training, and clinical services.
Lawson Eades knitting at a table with red, burgundy and white balls of yarn.
Knit and Natter member Lawson Eades“I enjoy attending Knit and Natter as there is a real sense of community. I developed and customised the pattern for the others in the group who wanted to be involved. Collectively as a group, we value the opportunity to be able to 'give back' to the local community and we all experience a real sense of worth and accomplishment.”
Knitter Marian Rennie“I was more than happy to be involved. Everyone in Knit and Natter makes me feel very welcome, so much so, I've been attending for four years. Without the Knit and Natter group and arts and crafts class, I would be extremely isolated with little to no social network. I am happy to share my skills with others and support all and any community projects.”
Jacquie Winning MBE, Forth Valley Chief Executive“Forth Valley Sensory Centre and the wonderful people who come to use our services and share their skills with us is an important part of our local community. It was very moving to see the poppies in place and know that this beautiful tribute was created with such love and care by our knitting group. We are very proud to have been part of the fabric of the community for the past 20 years, while making a real difference to people’s lives.”
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