THOUSANDS of poppies have been scattered across the floor of Nottingham Contemporary to remember those who gave their lives for us.
BBC Radio Nottingham asked listeners to knit 11,000 poppies for the 11,000 Nottinghamshire men who lost their lives in the First World War – and so far, more than 50,000 poppies have been donated.
A sombre, yet positive, mood spread across the gallery as names of those who did not make it home were projected on to the wall, and people of all ages looked on to see the names of their loved ones.
Hazel Arbuthnott, 78, of Giltbrook, has knitted more than 200 poppies and doesn't plan on stopping yet.
She said: "I made the 'Lest We Forget' display on the wall – it was displayed in the Children Society Shop window in Kimberley.
"These men gave their lives for us and it's important that we educate the younger generation."
Sisters Pamela Herrick, 66, and Jill Davenport, 64, knitted 365 poppies between them.
They said: "We wanted to commemorate our great uncle, George Lang Scott, who lost his life in the war when he was 24 years old.
"The men who fought are extremely heroic and it's important that we remember their efforts."
Audrey Williamson, 60, of West Bridgford, visited the exhibition to remember her uncle and grandfather, who both fought in the trenches.
She said: "It's vital that their memory lives on.
"They gave their lives so we could carry on in peace and I thank them every day for that."
Sophie Shardlow, deputy editor at BBC Radio Nottingham, came up with the idea for the Big Poppy Knit. She said: "People engaged with the appeal immediately and it's been a huge success so far. It's a living exhibition – people can search for a poppy before they buy it and it's great to see the different colours on offer."
Showcased at the exhibition is a poppy designed and signed by Beeston-born fashion designer Sir Paul Smith.
Sophie said: "I contacted him and asked if he'd like to contribute to the appeal. He was absolutely delighted and he's done a fantastic job."
Elaine Hopkinson, community fundraiser for the Royal British Legion, said: "I was blown away and tears started falling when I first saw the exhibition. It has a major impact on you. just want to say a big thank-you to the generous people of Nottinghamshire. The response has been overwhelming."
Entry to the exhibition is free and the recommended donation per poppy is £2.
The exhibition remains open today from 10am until 5pm and tomorrow from 11am until 5pm. The poppies will then be donated to the Royal British Legion in November to be circulated around the country.
Teacher killed 12 Germans single-handedly: See Tuesday's Post.
