Residents, volunteers and community organisations across the borough are joining forces to create a major remembrance display at Cheshunt Old Pond, where around 5,000 handcrafted poppies will transform the fountain ahead of Remembrance Day.
The community-led installation, organised by members of the Cheshunt & District Royal British Legion Club, will bring together thousands of knitted and crocheted poppies produced over several months by residents and local groups.
Thousands of Handcrafted Poppies to Transform Cheshunt Old Pond
The project has drawn support from across Cheshunt and neighbouring communities, with knitting groups, families, friends, organisations and individual residents contributing handmade poppies.
Among those involved are the Cheshunt Royal British Legion Club Knit and Natter Group, knitting groups in Waltham Cross, U3A members and Slimming World knitters, alongside other residents who wanted to contribute to this year’s remembrance activities.
The Cheshunt & District Royal British Legion Club has funded the project as part of its continuing support for remembrance initiatives in the local community.
Organisers are aiming to bring approximately 5,000 poppies together for the finished installation, creating a prominent visual tribute at one of Cheshunt’s best-known public spaces.
Display to Remain in Place Until 12 November
Installation at Cheshunt Old Pond is scheduled for 22 October. The poppies are expected to remain on display until 12 November, covering the period around Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day.
The installation will provide residents and visitors with a public focal point for reflection while complementing a wider programme of remembrance events planned across the borough.
Councillor Dee Hart, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community, said:
“This wonderful display is a testament to the strength of our community and the deep respect that residents across the Borough have for those who have served their country.
Thousands of individually crafted poppies, each made with care, will come together to create a powerful symbol of remembrance. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed their time, creativity and dedication to this remarkable project.”
Remembrance Parades Planned Across the Borough
The Old Pond installation is one of several commemorative activities being organised locally.
Remembrance Sunday parades will take place in Cheshunt, Goffs Oak and Hoddesdon on 8 November. Council officers are working with the Royal British Legion, Goffs Oak Community Association and Love Hoddesdon to support the safe and orderly running of the events.
The three parades attracted approximately 6,700 people last year, highlighting the scale of local participation in the borough’s annual remembrance programme.
Hoddesdon will also feature poppy displays in front of St Catherine and St Paul’s Church and near the War Memorial, providing additional places where residents can pay their respects.
Cedars Park Service Set for Armistice Day
A separate service will be held at Cedars Park at 10.30am on 11 November. Organised by the Friends group, the gathering will give members of the community another opportunity to commemorate those who served their country.
The programme of installations, parades and services reflects a coordinated effort involving community organisations, volunteers, the council and the Royal British Legion.
Residents still have an opportunity to take part directly in the Old Pond project by contributing knitted or crocheted poppies.
Completed poppies can be sent to the Cheshunt & District British Legion Club, 37 Crossbrook Street, Cheshunt, EN8 8LR.
With thousands of individually made poppies expected to form the finished installation, organisers hope the Old Pond display will serve both as a community achievement and as a visible symbol of remembrance in the weeks surrounding Remembrance Day.
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