Whangarei crafters make 2500 poppies for ANZAC Day Project

A Community Tribute of Respect and Remembrance

Whangarei Libraries have joined the 5000 Poppies Project, a stunning visual tribute to New Zealand servicemen and women for more than a century of service in all wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

Whangarei Libraries Manager Paula Urlich the poppies flowering in the spring of 1915 on the battlefields of Belgium and France inspired use of the poppy as symbol of both great loss in war and hope for those left behind.

“ So we invited all crafters to create hand made poppies - crocheted, knitted, felted or sewn from any materials - to contribute to this meaningful and heartfelt project.

“We initially had a target of 1,000 poppies for the display and due to an overwhelming response from our local community, we set a new target of 1,915 - the same number as the year 1915. We have received over 2,500 poppies! A fantastic result!”

Mrs Urlich said contributors were asked to provide their own materials.

“There was no barrier to involvement and no limit to the amount of poppies that could be submitted. Poppies came in by the handful and the bagful from the many individuals, schools and rest homes. The monthly poppy-making workshops at the Library were also very popular.

“We also gave an opportunity to write a short paragraph in remembrance of relatives who were in the First World War. We received lovely responses. These remembrances will also be in the poppy display. Please come along and have a look.”

Anzac Day 2015 will mark 100 years since the Anzac landing at Gallipoli. As part of the 2015 Anzac Commemorations, from 2014 to 2018, New Zealand is commemorating the centenary of The First World War (1914-1918).

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