Worplesdon Community Comes Together to Create 3,000 Hand-Knitted Poppies

Published on: 9 Nov, 2026
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2026

Residents from Worplesdon, Wood Street Village and surrounding areas have come together to hand-knit and crochet an incredible 3,000 poppies, that are displayed at the entrance to St Mary’s Church, Perry Hill; and in front of St Alban’s Church, Wood Street Village.

Viewing the poppies at St Mary’s Church, Perry Hill. Picture by Geoff Burch.

Worplesdon ward Guildford Borough Councillor Bilal Akhtar organised a visit to show off both sets of poppies.

In attendance was the Mayor of Guildford, Jane Tyson; Guildford Borough Council’s armed forces champion Cllr Stephen Hives; and Deputy Lieutenant David Hypher OBE.

Also in attendance were Worplesdon ward Cllrs Honor Brooker, Philip Brooker and Jonathan Lord.

Viewing the poppies at St Alban’s Church, Wood Street Village. Picture by Geoff Burch.

Janet Sutton, who helped lead and coordinate the initiative, said: “Our two churches led the initiative, and Worplesdon WI, Fairlands WI, Worplesdon Garden Club and Wood Street School have all been involved.

The Mayor of Guildford, Jane Tyson, said: “It was a pleasure to meet the residents and see the wonderful results of their hard work. Producing 3,000 hand-crafted poppies is a fantastic achievement.”

Deputy Lieutenant David Hypher OBE added: “This project is a wonderful demonstration of community spirit and the importance of remembrance. The time and care that residents have put into creating these 3,000 poppies is truly appreciated.”

Cllr Bilal Akhtar said: “I am incredibly proud of what our local communities have achieved. My thanks go to the two churches, Janet Sutton, all the organisations involved and everyone who gave their time.”