A CHARITY shop and a retirement housing complex in Llandudno have each received special poppy donations ahead of this year’s Remembrance Sunday.

Irene Banister was one of 34 people to knit a total of 2,717 poppies last year, which were then attached to netting and hung in Gloddaeth United Church on Gloddaeth Street on Remembrance Sunday in 2022.

As the netting was in two pieces, Irene decided to offer the larger of the two to the Ty Gobaith Children’s Charity shop on Mostyn Street, which is now displayed in its window.

The second piece has been displayed in the conservatory window of Ormeside Grange, on Gloddaeth Street.

North Wales Pioneer: Purple poppies, to remember the animals lost in conflictPurple poppies, to remember the animals lost in conflict (Image: Irene Bannister)

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More than 2,500 poppies form remembrance display in Llandudno church

Having set up the “Llandudno Poppy Crafters” Facebook group, and helped with the Gwrych Castle cascade of poppies, Irene decided to carry on knitting poppies and asked if anyone wanted to help.

This resulted in one piece measuring approximately 15 feet, and another of roughly six feet.

It was initially set up in the church on November 10, 2022, and again for an open day the following week for those who wished to see it but don’t attend mass.

Irene and fellow crafter Helen assembled the poppies by using a quilting staple gun and attaching them onto army camouflage netting.

A collection was also set up at the church by the display, the donations from which went to The Royal British Legion.

North Wales Pioneer: Irene Bannister with the display of poppiesIrene Bannister with the display of poppies (Image: Irene Bannister)

Irene said: “Before Remembrance Day last year, I advertised on Facebook if any person would be interested in knitting or crochet a red poppy in any pattern of their choice.

“I had an amazing response from 34 people and called the group ‘Llandudno Poppy Crafters’.

“Though, some members lived further afield than Llandudno - my friendly postman would deliver weekly parcels all the way from Nottingham!

“I hope you get the chance to see and stop in silence for a moment of reflection.

“Remembrance Day is such an important day for the UK, Commonwealth and allied nations during both World Wars, and conflicts since, to remember the people that made the ultimate sacrifice to give the rest of us life.”