Wombwell with Barnsley church honours veterans with poppy display

A Salvation Army craft group crocheted hundreds of poppies as part of a display to honour veterans on Remembrance Day. 

The display, made by crafters, including from Wombwell with Barnsley Salvation Army, featured a blanket of crocheted poppies replicating the fields of red flowers that bloomed on battlefields in the First World War. Displayed in the grounds of the nearby St Mary’s Church, it formed part of the Remembrance service held earlier this week. 

The craft group, which also made a ‘We Will Remember Them’ embroidered display for the window of the Salvation Army church in Park Street, were asked to contribute because of the close connection the church has with former service personnel. They host a group for veterans and pay visits to them in the community. 

Jayne-Claire, from Wombwell with Barnsley Salvation Army, said: “The veterans asked some of the craft groups in the area to provide a display for Remembrance Day. We work closely with the Council and community to provide support to veterans, so we were honoured to be asked to contribute. 

“We all wear the poppies to show we remember, but we wanted to do more, especially when we know a lot of the veterans personally. It was our opportunity to make sure the veterans feel loved. We can’t possibly understand how they feel and what they’ve been through. They are suffering physically and mentally, and they struggle to talk about it. We wanted to show although we can never understand their pain, we love them and want to express that love. For our craft group to do something specifically for our community to show we care is brilliant.” 

The display was co-ordinated with Wendy from St Mary’s Church, who brought in different community groups, including the local Scouts and Guides, to put the display together.

Wombwell with Barnsley Salvation Army craft group member Doreen, 81, contributed 150 poppies alone, including white ones for peace and purple ones to honour animals that also served alongside soldiers. 

Doreen, a talented crocheter who has also raised £11,000 for a local sight loss centre by selling her crocheted items, said: “I started making the poppies in July doing a few at a time. I’m partially sighted, but I know what I’m doing because although I can’t see very well, I’ve got used to what they feel like. 

“Crocheting is something for me to do because I’m at home a lot and can’t go far, but I really love doing it and it’s nice to know the poppies are appreciated.” 

For Wombwell with Barnsley Salvation Army tackling isolation within the community is a key part of the work they do through both the craft group and the veterans support. 

The craft group, which meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 6pm, helps to keep people connected. 

Linda, Salvation Army volunteer and craft group leader, said: “We do this mainly to combat loneliness. A lot of people feel safe coming somewhere like here. 

“We encourage people to chat and relax and we try to do different things each month. We paint, we’ve done embroidery, crochet, sugar animals, all sorts. It’s a fun thing to do and it’s open to anyone who wants to join.” 

The veterans group meets at the hall every other month, including for those living with an alcohol or drug dependency. This is supported by Barnsley Council and part of a church partnership with the Church of England who provide a chaplain. 

Craig, who volunteers with the group, said: “It’s a safe space for people where they won’t be judged, and it’s amazing to see how they open up. Some have got alcohol dependency so are trying to stay away from the pub, but they don’t have to worry about that here, here we offer a cuppa and a chance to talk. We know there can be devastating consequences if people don’t talk and it gets too much for them, particularly for veterans so this is a really important space for them.”