A PLAN is underway to create an eye-catching memorial made from thousands of knitted red poppies to mark 100 years since the armistice signing.

The project will see the wall of Bromsgrove Methodist Church covered in the handmade red poppies, with the number 100 created with white poppies in the centre.

The Methodist Church team, who are heading the initiative, are urging knitting clubs, community groups and families of all faiths across the district to get involved in contributing flowers to the memorial.

Methodist minister Rev Richard Wilde, who comes from a family of servicemen and women, said: "My grandfather carried the scars of trench warfare all his life. My father volunteered to serve in World War II. My aunts joined the Land Army and Army Training Regiment. My uncle was killed in Palestine in 1947. Now I have two sons in the military.

"It matters to me that British society respects the covenant with the military and respects the sacrifices made by civilians in mining, manufacturing and other industries and the positive outcomes in the advancement of women’s rights, technological benefits and many other spin-offs."

He added: "The number 100 made of white poppies at the centre of the wall of red will send a clear message that Bromsgrove remembers the sacrifice of the many who paid a heavy price in defence of our country and the principles we and our partner nations believe in."

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Any red yarn can be used to create the poppies, although the market stall outside Acorns Trust in Bromsgrove high street has stocked up on an appropriate red colour, together with free knitting and crochet patterns, available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Free patterns are also available at the Stratford Road church centre between 10.30am and 2.30pm Mondays to Thursdays, and from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturdays - as well as from Tailorations in Chapel Street.

Residents' poppies should be delivered to the Methodist Church between September 3 and 30, from 10am to 2pm Monday to Thursday.

The memorial launch on October 27, which is being co-ordinated by members of local churches, the Royal British Legion and Churches Together in Bromsgrove, is just one of the Bromsgrove Remembers events planned for October and November.

For more information, contact the church on 01527 835843 or email bromsgrovecircuitoffice@googlemail.com.