Bath & North East Somerset Council Chairman, Councillor Martin Veal, will be wearing a special sash made from knitted poppies at Remembrance service events next week.
The sash was made by a group of ladies who came together to knit roses for Bath in Fashion in May, to fundraise for Kids Company.
They enjoyed themselves so much they wanted to do another project and support Royal British Legion in this First World War centenary year.
They were encouraged by textile designer Emma Leith, who also organised the group to knit poppy flourishes for the Council’s buildings at the Guildhall in Bath, at Keynsham and at Midsomer Norton.
Cllr Veal said: “The Council was delighted to be approached by the knitting group. A cascade of poppies will adorn the main staircase in the Guildhall from early November and I am honoured to wear this specially-knitted poppy sash.’
The poppy sash for Cllr Veal will be worn at Remembrance Sunday and Remembrance Day events on 9 and 11 November this year and over the coming four years of WW1 commemoration.
Looking closely at the front, the poppies tell a story and, in time, the back of the sash will also recognise the many organisations associated with the First World War.
Major Roger Evans, Royal British Legion, Bath Branch, said: “This is a fantastic way of raising awareness of the Legion’s Poppy Appeal. We hope that local people will take the opportunity to see the knitted poppies on display in the Guildhall.”
