Almost 3000 poppies have now been donated by community groups and individuals ahead of the Poppy Parade display this November.

The project will see an impressive display of knitted and crocheted poppies in Mansfield town centre for Remembrance Day to commemorate those who lost their lives during the war, and to raise money for The Royal British Legion.

On Sunday, 12th November, the Royal British Legion will lead a parade through the town centre, stopping at the display to give a salute of honour.

Mansfield District Council, which is leading the poppy display project, has received overwhelming support from members of the community. It has been supported recently by a crafts group from the University of the Third Age (U3A) in Forest Town which has donated over 100 poppies.

U3A is a volunteer-led organisation that brings retired and semi-retired people of all backgrounds together to offer learning opportunities in a friendly, informal environment in the form of interest groups.

The U3A in Forest Town has around 200 members who meet on a regular basis to develop their own learning and to be part of social groups. The interest groups include all sorts of activities including walking, gardening, bird watching and crafts.

Jane Freeman leads the crafts interest group, which sees around 20 members meet at the Forest Town Arena on a monthly basis to knit, crochet, make cards and even have a go at lace work and embroidery.

Jane Freeman said: “We take part in various projects throughout the year so when we saw the poppy display project advertised we were keen to get involved.

“Other projects we have taken part in include knitting tiny hats and booties for the neo-natal unit and making knitted twiddle muffs for the dementia ward at Kings Mill Hospital.”

Cllr Dave Saunders, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and Growth, said: “A huge thank you is in order to the U3A for donating so many poppies to the campaign. The support we have received so far from the community has been outstanding but there’s still time for others to get involved too.

“Our focus is to help the Royal British Legion raise lots of money now so if you are able to come along to sponsor a poppy for the display, even just a pound, you will be making a real difference.”

If you’d like to get involved you have until Friday 29 September to make and deliver poppies to the Civic Centre, Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield. You can find knitting and crochet patterns online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/poppyparade.

After that date the public is urged to come along to Mansfield Market Place to help attach the poppies to netting and donate cash to support the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

Dates for the diary when poppies will be attached are:

1 October- Artisan and Craft Market

11 October- International Mini Market

22 October- Car Show

24 – 28 October- half-term ghost hunt

See www.mansfield.gov.uk for more details.