THREE friends from Llandudno Junction have spent several months handcrafting a life-sized knitted soldier in honour of Remembrance Day.
Mel Lewis, 65, Mari Jones, 86, and Sheila Thomas, 86, have affectionately named the soldier - who is on display at the Memorial Hall, Archie Lewis Thomas-Jones.
Standing as a tribute to those who served, Archie's name combines each of the creators family names, symbolising the shared effort and personal meaning behind the project.
Work on Archie began in June 2025, with the trio carefully designing every detail.
Archie wears a Home Guard style uniform, reflecting the role of volunteers who protected their communities during the Second World War. However, he proudly carries the Welsh Guards badge on his cap.
The women created a fictional backstory for Archie. In their story, Archie served as a Welsh Guard during the First World War. When the Second World War came, he was too old to return to the front, so he continued serving his country as part of the Home Guard.
A statement from the women said: "Archie features a hand-knitted musket, bullet bag, binocular case, medals, a boy Scout whistle, and a Red Cross kit bag. His poppy wreath features the words Llandudno Junction, created using a pyrography technique. His display includes a 3D printed Welsh dragon and a printed copy of the Welsh national anthem placed at his feet.
"Llandudno Junction and its surrounding communities have a long-standing history of service, remembrance and wartime contribution. During both World Wars, families from the Conwy Valley and the North Wales coast saw brothers, sons and fathers leave to serve. Local regiments, including the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the Welsh Guards, played significant roles on the front line.
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"The Memorial Hall, where Archie is now displayed, stands as a gathering place for remembrance each year, reflecting how deeply these events are woven into the community collective memory.
"For many families in the area, remembrance is not distant history," the statement added.
"It is personal heritage and the Memorial Hall itself was built to commemorate the First World War using bricks shipped from Flanders, where a lot of the wars’ most horrific battles were fought.
"Archie has now been safely transported to Llandudno Junction Memorial Hall ahead of this year’s Remembrance service, with thanks to former Welsh Guard Sgt. Peter Duffy, who helped ensure he arrived with dignity and care."
The women used to knit in a community club together.
They haven't knitted together since before the pandemic, making the project extra special for the friends.
Mel said: “It was never just about making him [Archie]. It was about what he represents. Every stitch mattered.
"Working together allowed us to share our own family stories and honour those who served.
"We are grateful to have created something so meaningful.”
Mari commented: “I loved watching him develop piece by piece. Seeing him now, complete and standing proudly, he feels like the perfect tribute to the fallen.
"I never imagined that I would be part of something like this, and I am so proud of what we have achieved.”
Sheila added: “I remember the war and running to air raid shelters. I wanted to create something that paid tribute to those memories and to the people we lost.
"Archie is something we can leave behind, a remembrance that lasts.”
The trio expressed their gratitude to the community for their support, donations and encouragement throughout the project.
Special thanks go to: Mick from Ty Copra for 3D printing the Welsh Dragon; Llandudno Craft Centre for providing wool and craft supplies; Jane Jones for supplying Archie’s boots; Llandudno Craft and Bead Shop for producing the signs and medals; Adrian Hughes from the Home Front Museum for his help, guidance and historical support; Chloe Woodcock of Spill Digital for photographing Archie; Evie Roberts from The Emporium in Llandudno Junction for donating Archie’s whistle.
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