Hundreds of locals knitted poppies for special wartime tableau unveiled for launch of New Milton’s poppy appeal

NEW Milton’s poppy appeal was unveiled amid hopes it would help youngsters continue sharing the remembrance message.

A special display, adorned with poppies knitted by hundreds of residents, takes pride of place in the foyer of New Milton Memorial Centre, off Whitefield Road, until Tuesday 12th November.

It was put together by poppy appeal coordinator Jane Taylor, helped by Pat Meen and Valerie May, and many local knitters.

Speaking to the A&T at the launch, Pat hoped the creation would be a conversation starter.

“It’s important that the younger generation is aware of what the poppy appeal is about,” she said.

“As the older people get older, we don’t want it to die out.

“Hopefully people will bring their children to see it, and they’ll ask what it’s for.”

Pat and Jane said they were “in shock” over the sheer number of people and groups who helped put the display together.

Along with residents, there were contributions from members of New Milton Sands and Barton Bees WI groups, and Brockenhurst Choir.

“We put out the call for poppies in January/February, and it took Pat and I all summer from June to the end of September to put it together,” Jane explained.

“They don’t know me. They just did it purely because they wanted to.”

The pair hope the display can be brought out every year, with possible additions.

Royal British Legion New Milton branch president Paul Jepson said: “It’s magnificent. I’ve seen lots of poppy displays, but this tops the lot.

“A large number of people in the community have contributed to that. I’ve never seen anything this good.”

He outlined the continued importance of the RBL’s work supporting servicemen and women and their families.

In Hampshire alone, £180,000 was handed out between May and July this year, towards funeral expenses, furniture and debt relief.

“Nationally, around 30,000 people benefit each year,” Paul continued.

“If you take the total annual poppy collection and divide it by 30,000, it comes to £4,000 per person on average.

“This is not just about remembrance, it’s about promoting peace above everything. Some people object to poppies, but they’re a symbol promoting peace throughout the world.”