Purple Poppy Project Faringdon
in association with Faringdon Town Council
Be part of our initiative to craft 1000 purple poppies, honouring the courage and sacrifice of wartime animals.
The poppies will be sewn into a Rug of Remembrance, to dress the black horse who stands so proudly at Faringdons' Remembrance Service.
Each stitch will be a lasting tribute to all fallen war animals.
CROCHET KNIT SEW
The Project
Having seen the model horse that stands at the Remembrance Services it was thought that he, and all animals who served during wartime, should also be celebrated. The idea of the purple poppy Rug of Remembrance, created by the community of Faringdon, was born.
It is supported by Faringdon Town Council and co-ordinated by Nicky Brown and Sarah Richards.
Why purple poppies?
The purple poppy was created in 2006 by the charity Animal Aid as a way to commemorate animals which served during conflicts as the charity viewed that they had been the forgotten victims of war.
In addition to Remembrance Day, 23 August was chosen as purple poppy day to coincide with the Battle of Mons, marking the end of the First World War.
Which Animals Served in Wartime?
Horses
Mules
Donkeys
Elephants
Camels
Dogs
Oxen
Reindeer
Llamas
Cats
Rats
Dolphins
Sealions
Beluga Whales
Carrier Pigeons
Falcons
Canaries
Bats
Insects
Get Involved
Can you CROCHET, KNIT or SEW?
Yes
Then we need you to help create 1000 poppies.
How can you help?
Would you make a purple poppy, or more?
Would you help sewing the poppies into the Rug of Remembrance?
Would you help others to make poppies?
Would you make up some kits with materials we provide?
Would you help marketing the project to build our poppy crafting community?
Materials
So we can standardise the poppies to make it easier to sew up into the blanket please use the materials recommended and follow the patterns provided:
For crochet poppy: Use acrylic DK yarn with a 3.5mm (E) hook
For knitted poppy: Use acrylic DK yarn with 4mm needles
For felt poppy: Use acrylic sheet felt and a black button for the centre.
Colours
Please use shades of purple as below
Purple, Lavender, Lilac, Black
As this is a not for profit community project it would be very much appreciated if you would supply your own materials, however if you cannot do this then some free kits will be available (see below)
Where to purchase yarn and felt
Don't have any materials?
Kits are available, free of charge, for those who need materials.
Kits can be collected from 1st July 2026 from
Faringdon Information Centre
https://www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/things-to-do/faringdon-information-centre/
Faringdon Library
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-libraries/find-library/faringdon-library
Completed Poppies
Poppies must be completed by 1st October 2026 and can be dropped off at
Faringdon Information Centre
https://www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/things-to-do/faringdon-information-centre/
Faringdon Library
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-libraries/find-library/faringdon-library
Creating Together
From Tuesday 7th July we will be meeting on Tuesday mornings from 10 am to 12pm at Kickstand Cafe, Market Place, Faringdon where you can
-
come and get some guidance on how to make the poppies
-
craft with others
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enjoy great drinks and cake
The Big Sew Up
Help us bring all the poppies together by sewing them into a Rug of Remembrance to be worn by the black horse.
Faringdon Town Council Offices
Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire
Oct 2026 Dates TBC
The Unveiling
Then join us for the unveiling of the Rug of Remembrance at the Remembrance Service
on November 8th 2026
in the Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire
This Community Project is Supported By
Faringdon Town Council
The Pump House
Market Place
Faringdon
SN7 7HL
https://www.faringdontowncouncil.gov.uk/
Kickstand Cafe
2 London Street
Faringdon
SN7 7AA
https://www.kickstandcoffee.co.uk/
Faringdon Library
The Elms
Gloucester St
Faringdon
SN7 7HY
https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxfordshire-libraries/find-library/faringdon-library
Community Partnerships
Support this wonderful community project
We welcome local businesses and organisations to partner with us in this meaningful project to honour our shared history and leave a legacy piece for the people of Faringdon.
We need help with:
Space to gather and make the rug
Funding to cover the cost of materials
Help publicising the project
Connect with Us
Join our Whats App Group "Purple Poppy Project Faringdon"
by emailing your name and phone number to us
07787 532013
