Spectacular display of 27,000 handmade poppies unveiled at Southsea Castle
The display was made possible by the contributions of hundreds of people who knitted and crocheted the poppies
Veterans, crafters and members of the public gathered at Southsea Castle today for the unveiling of A Sea of Poppies, a handmade display of 27,000 poppies draped over the castle walls.
A bagpiper played from the castle walls before speeches were given by Cllr Steve Pitt and Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Suzy Horton. Members of the Royal British Legion were also present, flying the flag for the organisation that supports members of the armed forces, veterans and families of servicepeople.
Cllr Horton said: “Each poppy has been made by hand. Each one represents time freely given, care taken, and a personal act of remembrance. I'm sure that you'll agree that the scale of this installation is quite remarkable. But its true significance lies in the individual contributions that created it.
“One poppy may have been made quietly at home, another as part of a group, bringing people together in conversation and shared purpose. Some may have been made in memory of a relative or a friend. Others may simply express gratitude and respect for people whose service and sacrifice must never be forgotten.
“Together, these thousands of individual gestures have become something greater: a sea formed by many hands, many stories, and many memories. It reminds us that remembrance is not only expressed in ceremonies and memorials, but also through the simple, generous actions of people who choose to contribute.”
The project was arranged by Alexsis Seed, the owner of the haberdashery and wool shop Seeded on Clarendon Road. She put out an appeal for knitted flowers for the project A Sea of Poppies back in June, and organised the collection, counting, sewing and displaying of the 27,000 flowers.
Cllr Horton said: “Alexsis is at the heart of our community, and for somebody who struggles to sew on a button, I am always welcomed at Seeded, and it is really amazing what has been achieved today. Her commitment to generate community engagement to deliver this project has been nothing short of outstanding.
“From the kernel of an idea through today's unveiling, her encouragement, her absolute belief in the project, and enthusiasm has been unwavering regardless of the practical challenges.”
Ms Seed said: "When the council approached us about doing an installation for the castle, I kickstarted it and said, ‘Yeah, we'll do it,’ and started putting the word out. And before I knew it, we had over 27,000 poppies!
“We first started getting poppies in, I think we started in June, so all the way through the summer people were knitting and crocheting them and that kind of thing. And then at the end of September, we started getting the materials to put it onto. It looks fabulous. It really does look amazing. Everyone did such a great job, and yeah, the teamwork from everyone has been amazing.”
Vilma Cooke, a volunteer who helped sew the poppies onto the display material, said: “It’s just amazing, it’s such a lovely community project. We have met a lot of lovely ladies from all walks of life who we will be friends with for a long time through the sewing.
“We had poppies made by a blind lady, from a 9 year old who learned to knit to add to the display. A lady even came down from Scotland to help sew some on.
“My dad was in the Navy, and I sell poppies for the Royal British Legion, I think being from Pompey it’s so important to support the forces.”
Volunteer Colleen Beattie said: “Everyone just turned up and did their bit. We finished the final touches on Tuesday.
“Alexsis really looked after us with tea and biscuits. I live an hour away from Southsea by bus and I came down to help sew. Me and my daughter made a hundred poppies, she lives in Oxford and sent some down.
“It’s such a lovely project and so lovely to see such a good turnout today, we’ve even got the dogs wearing their poppies!”
“My great granddaughter, she’s nine, she helped us sew some on,” said volunteer Gina Anthony.
“My dad and grandfather, George and Charles Wake, were pigeon fanciers, they owned messenger pigeons on Jacob Street during the war.”
Andy Williams, a Royal Marine veteran from Waterlooville, was one of the many veterans who came down to the unveiling of the display.
“I think the Sea of Poppies is a wonderful event,” he said. “The more that we can bring people down here to remember all the sacrifices that were made on behalf of this country, and to remind the youngsters as well, this is part of our heritage, and we should be here to honour them.
“I think it's a fabulous tribute to the community that so many people have contributed.”
The display will hang from the walls of Southsea Castle until November 12, before being washed and stored for future exhibitions.