Knitted Poppy Display Brightens Heathfield with Community Spirit

Knitted Poppy Display Brightens Heathfield with Community Spirit

Heathfield’s Union Church has been transformed into a sea of colour, with more than 7,000 hand-knitted and crocheted poppies now draping the church railings and lining the High Street. The community-led project began with a simple Facebook post from Reverend Vicky Martin and local organiser Tracy Williams, inviting anyone who enjoyed crafting to contribute. What followed was a flood of generosity that exceeded all expectations.

“The response was absolutely amazing,” said Rev. Martin. “Tracy was inundated with poppies from everybody—her house was overflowing for months!”

The display features mostly red and black poppies in remembrance of service members, along with purple poppies to honour animals lost in conflict and white ones for peace. Around 50 volunteers came together last Saturday to help stitch and hang the poppies across the railings, creating a striking tribute visible throughout Heathfield’s centre.

A community effort with volunteers helping to bring the project alive

Among those helping to decorate was Lucy Atabey from White Feather Funerals, who joined the team early in the morning to fasten strings of poppies along the railings. “It’s wonderful to see everyone coming together,” she said. “The display is beautiful, and it really shows what Heathfield can do when people pitch in.”

The Union Church posted its thanks on social media, celebrating the outpouring of local support:

“Phew! What a busy morning! Almost 7,000 poppies have now been hung on the railings at Union Church and along the High Street—and it looks amazing! A big thank you to everyone who made, donated, or helped hang them, and to Heathfield Crafts, the Kit Wilson shop, and the Village Artisan Community in Uckfield for being collection points. Heathfield sure looks pretty!”

“This year’s display feels especially poignant,” said Rev. Martin, as the church continues to hold peace vigils in light of ongoing conflicts around the world. “It just seemed appropriate to make a special effort this year with everyone at war,” she added.

As for next year? Rev. Martin isn’t quite sure yet. “We might have to take a break—or we’ll be known as the poppy town!”

For now, Heathfield residents can enjoy a heartfelt reminder of the strength of community and remembrance woven—quite literally—into every stitch.