Priceholme’s request for poppies receives overwhelming response

An overwhelming response by the community of Scarborough has seen MHA Priceholme care home in Northstead decorated in over 1,300 hand-knitted poppies to display on the run up to Armistice Day

To commemorate the contributions of military and civilian servicemen and women, the care home’s residents, staff and volunteers set their sights on creating a beautiful Remembrance display to recognise and mark Remembrance Sunday, which this year falls on the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.

Issuing a call-out through the home’s social media channels, Priceholme set an ambitious target of seeking the local community’s assistance in knitting and crocheting 500 poppies for the display. However, thanks to an astonishing reaction from the people of Scarborough and beyond, the home has so far received over 1,300 hand-knitted poppies to form part of their growing display.

Image caption: War veteran and MHA resident Sgt. William Hewson-Tutty will remember his late friend Sgt. Leslie Watkins as part of the Armistice Centenary. Read William's story >>

Speaking about the reaction of the local community, Anna Gillon, manager of MHA Priceholme care home commented: “We thought we were being ambitious asking for 500 knitted poppies, so you can imagine our surprise and delight when we received in excess of 1,300 poppies. They have really brought our display to life!

“It’s been a huge team effort. Residents themselves, their friends and relatives, staff and even people in and around Scarborough with no link to the home whatsoever have come together to support this wonderful project, which has caused a number of tears to be shed as our residents, colleagues and visitors remember loved ones lost.”

Speaking about the display, one resident said: “When you stand and look at it you feel calm and at peace while, at the same time, overwhelmed with emotions. It’s a fantastic display the home has put up for us all. Huge thanks to everyone involved.”

The ‘Fallen Soldier’ cut-out, which stands forefront of the main wall of poppies, was created by the Priceholme’s maintenance worker Mike Wardman.  He commented: “I’m thrilled with how the finished display looks. Many visitors to the home, including health professionals, have commented how wonderful it is and how the ‘Fallen Soldier’ really brings the whole display to life.”

The residents have decided that the Priceholme Remembrance display appeal should now become an annual contribution to grow the display until it covers every communal area within the home.