Residents from St Albans have come together to create a crochet poppy wreath to mark Remembrance Day. 

The handmade wreath is situated on the platform at St Albans Abbey Station and was created thanks to a partnership between Leeanna’s Wish Create & Craft Group and the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership. 

Residents of all ages spent the last month creating individual poppies to form the wreath, each stitch symbolizing the lives that have been lost to conflicts in the past. 

Crafter Karen Lawrence said: “It’s been amazing to see everyone come together for such an important cause.

“Remembrance Day is a time for us to honour those who sacrificed so much, and this wreath is our way of showing respect and gratitude.”

Volunteers came together to produce the wreath for St Albans Abbey StatioVolunteers came together to produce the wreath for St Albans Abbey Statio (Image: Supplied) Mona Twilley explained that there was a gap in the community for people wanting a crafting group, so she helped to co-found Create & Craft, which runs on Fridays at the Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre. 

Mona said: “I suffered a major stroke nine years ago leaving me with physical difficulties, but my creative side stayed with me. 

“I find it hard to knit now, that needs two working hands, but crocheting I can do!”

The Remembrance Poppies project was supported by the Abbey Station Friends group and funded by the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership as part of their mission to connect local communities with their railway. 

The Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership Officer, Kate Swindells, said: “The poppy wreath will be a powerful reminder for all our commuters to pause and reflect. 

“It’s also been lovely to meet the creators and hear how important their craft group is to them.” 

Next to the wreath, there is an information board that provides details about the project and provides ways to donate to the National Poppy Appeal.

LeeAnna’s Wish is based in the Cottonmill/Sopwell area and helps to provide support for protected groups, their projects strive to empower and promote friendships and social interaction within the community. 


Find out more information about the group and their services and activities at https://www.leeannaswish.org.