KNITTERS in Chester and Ellesmere Port are being asked to donate handmade poppies to the Spiritual Care Centre at the Countess of Chester Hospital for Remembrance Day.

Head of Chaplaincy Services John Kingsley is preparing to host the hospital’s annual Remembrance Sunday service on November 11, but with this year marking 100 years since the end of the First World War he wants to go the extra mile and decorate the Countess’ chapel for the landmark occasion.

“The centenary of the end of the First World War is something that should be recognised, remembered and celebrated,” John said. “We are asking our community to help us by either donating wool or knitting poppies for us to display in the hospital in memory of every man and woman who gave their lives.”

Anyone hoping to help can post knitted poppies to the Spiritual Care Centre directly or leave them at main reception in the hospital.

Royal British Legion spokesman Jon Keighren said: “This year’s Poppy Appeal is especially significant as we will be marking the centenary of Armistice Day and the end of the First World War. The example and experience of those who lived through it shaped the world we live in today. This year, The Royal British Legion is leading the nation in saying Thank You to all who served, sacrificed and changed our world. We are very grateful to the Countess of Chester Hospital for coming up with such a poignant way to mark Remembrance in 2018.”

Knitting instructions:

Materials needed

Colour A 1 ball red yarn (this will make a lot of poppies) Colour B Scrap of black yarn or black button

Body of Poppy

Using Col A Cast on 60 stitches

Row s1 –10 : K2, P2 across whole row(for a slightly smaller poppy do 8 rows of rib). Row 11 : Knit 2 stitches together across the row (30 stitches).

Row 12 : Slip 1 stitch, Knit 2 stitches together then pass the slip stitch over... repeat across the whole row (10 stitches).

Break off yarn with long tail and thread back through remaining stitches and pull tight. Join edges with mattress stitch.

Centre of Poppy - Using B, cast on 16 sts. Cast off. Coil into a tight spiral and sew base to the centre. Or use a black or green button with 4 holes and sew to centre of poppy. Add pin.

How to donate poppies

Knitted poppies can be hand delivered to the Spiritual Care Centre, which is located on the first floor of the main hospital just before the bridge. Alternatively, they can be left at main reception.

To post poppies to the hospital send them to:

John Kingsley

Spiritual Care Centre

Liverpool Rd

Chester

CH2 1UL