Threads of Remembrance: A community tribute for VE Day 80 with 11,000 handmade poppies
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, we have partnered with Nucleus Arts, with support from Medway Council, to launch Threads of Remembrance, a community project that will result in a striking installation of 11,000 handcrafted poppies.
The installation will be unveiled this September at Salute to the ‘40s at The Historic Dockyard Chatham and will remain on view until Armistice Day. Displayed at the National Destroyer Memorial, the tribute will honour the 11,000 men who lost their lives aboard the 142 Royal Navy destroyers sunk during the Second World War.
At the heart of the memorial stands HMS CAVALIER, the last surviving Royal Navy destroyer of the Second World War. Today she serves as the national memorial alongside a bronze sculpture and Roll of Honour paying tribute to these ships and their crews.
Lynnette Crisp, Director of Public Engagement, Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust said: “HMS CAVALIER stands as a poignant reminder of courage, sacrifice and service. Working in partnership with Nucleus Arts, our Threads of Remembrance project invites everyone to be part of a living tribute during this anniversary year. Each handmade poppy will represent a life given and never forgotten. We would love as many people as possible to help us create something memorable in their honour.”
David Stokes, Chief Executive, Halpern Charitable Foundation, said: “Creativity has the power to bring people together, and this project is a beautiful example of that. Threads of Remembrance gives everyone, from seasoned knitters to complete beginners, a chance to honour our local history through artistic response. We’re proud to be part of this tribute and be working alongside the team at The Historic Dockyard Chatham.”
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Threads of Remembrance is a wonderful way for thousands of Medway residents to take part and contribute to what should be our community’s fitting and powerful act of remembrance. The Armed Forces are a hugely important and integral part of our history in Medway, and this meaningful project symbolises how that military and naval heritage is woven into our collective memory, identity and culture. I hope as many people as possible are able to take part and I really look forward to seeing the finished display.”
Get Involved
This ambitious tribute relies on the collective efforts of the community. Whether you knit or crochet, make one poppy or a hundred, every stitch counts towards our goal of 11,000 poppies.
Find full details, tutorial videos and how to take part at Threads of Remembrance.
