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, Sarah Richards and Sheena Florey.
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.
Reminder
Completed poppies must be handed in or received by post by October 1st 2026.
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
Yarn
This is the best purple for the poppies
https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarnsmiths-create-dk-vibrant-violet-3315-100g
For a little variety try these
https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarnsmiths-create-dk-amethyst-3322-100g
https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarn/wendy-supreme-dk-pure-purple-wd50-100g
Black
https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/yarnsmiths-create-dk-black-3000-100g
Crochet Hook Size 3.5mm (E)
Lizzie Norris Seamstress, 3B London Street, Faringdon, Oxordshire
https://www.woolwarehouse.co.uk/knitpro-crochet-hook-waves-2-0-3-50mm-lilac-dream
https://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/pony-pink-easy-grip-crochet-hook-3.5mm-x-14cm/6657081000.html
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
Drop Off
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
Postal Option
PPP
5 Carters Crescent
Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 7LA
Name
Don't forget to leave your name so we can add you to our list of poppy makers.
Creating Together
From Tuesday 7th July we will be meeting on Tuesday mornings from
-
10 am to 12pm at Kickstand Cafe, Market Place, Faringdon
-
2pm to 3.30pm at Fern Meadows, Brickell Way, Oriel Park, Faringdon SN7 7ZF
where you can
-
come and get some guidance on how to make the poppies
-
craft with others
-
enjoy great drinks and cake
-
pick up free yarn and patterns
-
drop off completed poppies
Everyone is welcome at both venues
If you want to knit please bring 4mm knitting needles
If you want to crochet please bring a 3.5mm crochet hook
If you want to sew please bring a basic sewing kit and some scissors.
https://www.kickstandcoffee.co.uk/
https://www.housing21.org.uk/schemes/fern-meadows/
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.
Oct 2026 Dates TBC
The Unveiling
Then join us for the unveiling of the Rug of Remembrance at the Remembrance Service
on November 6th 2026 in the Corn Exchange, Market Place Faringdon from 12pm to 4pm
and
November 8th 2026
under the Old Town Hall, Market Place, Faringdon, Oxfordshire from 9am to 11.30am
Order of Events on Remembrance Sunday
9.30am: The parade from the Corn Exchange to All Saints Church
10am -10.45am: The Remembrance Church Service at All Saints Church
10.45 - 11am: The Remembrance Service at the War Memorial in the Market Place
11am: The minute silence.
This Community Project is Supported By
Faringdon Town Council
The Pump House
Market Place
Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 7HL
Tel: 01367 240281
The Advertiser Magazine
4 Wicklesham Farm Cottages
Faringdon
Oxfordshire
SN7 7PJ
Lizzie Norris Seamstress
3B London Street,
Faringdon,
Oxfordshire
SN7 7AE
Creative Crochet by Shani
Garden Centre, Studley Grange,
Hay Ln, Wroughton,
Swindon
SN4 9QT
Hero Paws
Hero Paws supports retired military and service dogs while helping veterans through the powerful bond between humans and dogs.
Faringdon in Stitches
28a London St,
Faringdon,
Oxfordshire
SN7 7AA
Media Coverage
BBC Radio Oxford
Phil Mercers Breakfast Show
3 August 2026
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zk47
1:20:30
Greatest Hits Radio Oxfordshire
3 August 2026
https://www.hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/shows/the-simon-mayo-drivetime-show-andy/id-236153769
That's TV Oxfordshire
5 August 2026
ThatsTVOxfordshire?locale=en_GB
16.36
Prima Magazine
November 2026 Issue
(released end of September 2026)
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
