The universal symbol of Remembrance Day has been uniquely honored by a community group in North Sydney. Approximately 100 crocheted poppies now adorn the front lawn of the Wilfred Oram Centennial Library and the North Sydney Heritage Museum on Commercial Street.
Cathy MacLeod from Groves Point, organizer of the weekly fibre lunch group at the library, explained the origin of the idea. It came from Paul and Sherry Finney, owners of Escape Outdoors, who had seen a similar display of knit and crocheted poppies during a trip to England.
“They took a trip to England last year and when she came back, she was telling me that they had seen this display in England of knit and crocheted poppies and I said that would be a great idea for our group,” said MacLeod.
After seeing a picture brought by Sherry Finney, MacLeod presented the idea to the fibre lunch group, whose enthusiastic support led to the project's launch in August. Community members joined the effort, contributing to the final display installed over the weekend by Paul Finney.
The group has 14 members, many with ties to veterans, adding significance to the tribute.
“To honour the veterans and kind of in a different way,” remarked Anne MacDougall of North Sydney, a participant in the group.
She reflected on the symbol of the poppy and the uniqueness of the project:
“The poppy is so symbolic of Remembrance Day but to have it in that kind of a display, I’ve never heard of knitted poppies until now. As far as my family, Remembrance Day has always been an event that we always attend at the cenotaph.”
Author's summary: A North Sydney community honours veterans with a unique Remembrance Day display of 100 crocheted poppies, inspired by a visit to England and created by a local fibre arts group.