To mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Southmead Hospital has unveiled a special poppy installation for Remembrance Day. In total, 1945 knitted or crocheted red poppies were created, representing the year the war ended, through an inspiring collaborative effort involving staff, patients, families and local community groups.
The project continues the tradition started by the hospital’s Brunel Knitting Group,
made up of staff, who created a poppy banner spelling out “We Will Remember Them” to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War, which still hangs in the hospital atrium each November.
More than 50 knitters and crocheters took part in this year’s project, including many who were learning the craft for the first time. Poppies were donated from all areas of the hospital, including clinical and non-clinical teams, as well as from patients, families and loved ones. Contributions even arrived from further afield, including Doncaster and Rugby.
The project was a real community effort, with several local knitting and sewing groups contributing their time and creativity:
- Brunel Knitting Group (Southmead Hospital)
- Ambition Sewing Group (Lawrence Weston)
- Pins and Needles (Westbury-on-Trym)
- Horfield Library Stitchers Group (Horfield)
Each poppy carries its own story. Some were made in memory of relatives who served in the Armed Forces. One contributor shared that her parents-in-law, a Red Cross nurse and a military medic, met at Southmead Hospital during the war. Others joined simply for the joy of crafting and connection.
The hospital reception team helped coordinate the collection of poppies from staff and visitors. On installation day, a small team spent more than four hours assembling the display, supported by tea and biscuits kindly provided by Ward 7a. During the process, a young boy visiting the hospital stopped to see what was happening. He added a poppy to the display himself and learnt about why we commemorate Remembrance Day, capturing the spirit of remembrance being shared with the next generation.
The Brunel Knitters said: “There has been such a fantastic response to this project, from our colleagues at the hospital, friends and family, the local knitting community and people further afield.
“It was so wonderful to achieve our goal of 1945 poppies and to see the striking display outside the Brunel building.
“Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful project, we really appreciate everyone’s efforts so that we can mark this anniversary and remember those who lost their lives in war.”
- To mark Armistice Day, staff, patients and visitors paused for a two-minute silence in the Brunel atrium. A member of staff played The Last Post and Reveille to mark the start and end of the silence.