“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row” is one of the most quoted phrases of war poetry.  The poppy has come to represent the remembrance of conflict, and with the centenary of the First World War upon us, poppies have begun to spring up everywhere, most notably at the Tower of London, where the flowers can be seen cascading down the ancient walls, coating the pale stone with glorious red.  But, a little closer to home, Bromley High School has started its own act of remembrance. 

Earlier this year, the Knitting and Stitching club at Bromley High School decided to embark on an ambitious project to make 870 poppies – one for every girl in the school.  In May the club began to make these poppies in red and white wool to mark the occasion of the centenary: red for remembrance, white for peace.  To incorporate as many individuals as possible, the poppies soon started to be made in any medium: knitting, crochet, felt, fabric, paper, loom bands.  With students, family members and staff all collaborating together, the count rapidly began to rise, with a total of approximately 450 poppies to date.  With more flooding in over the half term break, the club hopes to have reached its target by 3rd November.  The poppies will then be sold to raise money for charity.  

Students and staff at Bromley High commented that the project is a “clever idea” for a “really good cause”, and is something that has “brought students and staff together”.  And making a poppy, in whatever medium, is actually “really easy and satisfying when you know how!” 

To announce to the school of their achievements, Knitting and Stitching club has set up a display in the Entrance Hall of two bare trees on which large red balls covered in poppies hang.  The floor surrounding the trees has been scattered with more poppies and draped with red and white material carrying the word “peace” in multiple languages.  It is a truly stunning sight that will catch your breath and a beautiful way to mark such a momentous anniversary.

“We will remember them” this year and for many others, and hope that you will too. 

Imogen Goddard, Bromley High School