A ‘CURTAIN’ formed of more than 65,000 poppies went on display last weekend at the Wonderwool Wales event at the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd.

The poppies are meant to commmorate the work of women in World War One who “did their bit” to support the troops overseas by knitting gloves, scarves, balaclavas and socks.

Thousands of modern knitters from around the world were sufficiently inspired by the idea to send in their own bright red knitted poppies to add to the curtain. Poppies were sent in by knitting groups, craft groups, schools and individuals.

The curtain was the brainchild of mother and daughter Olwen and Jane Veevers, who were delighted with the way the project captured the public imagination.

Olwen said poppies have been sent in from all over the UK, Europe and even North America, often accompanied by cards, photos and notes explaining contributors’ reasons for getting involved.

One particularly poignant contribution was by a female serving soldier who sent in a single embroidered felt flower. Olwen said: “It has been amazing and quite humbling. We have had so many notes from people; among my favourites is one from a serving soldier, enclosing a beautiful embroidered felt poppy, who said she had never made anything else by hand in her whole life.”

After its launch at Wonderwool Wales, A Curtain of Poppies will become a travelling exhibition. It will be at Powys County Council County Hall during May and the National Wool Museum of Wales from May 26 until the end of June. It will be on display at the Gower Heritage Centre during July and August, the Newtown Textile Museum in September and next year it has been offered a permanent home back at the Gower Heritage Centre.

Wonderwool Wales is accepting donations in support of the Curtain of Poppies on behalf the Royal British Legion. Visiti www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Wonderwool-Wales-Curtain-of-Poppies.