Remembrance Sunday, 11th November 2018 saw the hanging of Queensferry's first Memorial Poppy Drape.
This project was born during a History Group meeting early this year. It was immediately undertaken by a small group of members who spread the word that we were needing hand knitted or crocheted poppies, any size, any pattern, to make the drape. History Group members and their wives made many of the poppies themselves.
At this point we did not know what size the finished product would be as this would be dictated by the number of poppies made and donated to us. There was also some uncertainty as to how the poppies were going to be attached to a background. What was certain however, was the intention to display the poppies in front of the steps of the Rosebery Hall where the Remembrance Service would take place. This was particularly relevant as this year marked the centenary of the signing of the Armistice.
At this point we did not know what size the finished product would be as this would be dictated by the number of poppies made and donated to us. There was also some uncertainty as to how the poppies were going to be attached to a background. What was certain however, was the intention to display the poppies in front of the steps of the Rosebery Hall where the Remembrance Service would take place. This was particularly relevant as this year marked the centenary of the signing of the Armistice.
Poppies arrived from all areas of the local community. Groups such as 'The Ferry Crafters' donated poppies, as did individuals of all ages. It is believed the oldest poppy donator is a young 90+!
Gradually the drape began to take shape. Help again came from members of the community who along with History Group members spent many hours stitching poppies on to background netting. As Remembrance Sunday approached it became evident there were enough poppies to make two nets which were stitched together making a very impressive display.
Gradually the drape began to take shape. Help again came from members of the community who along with History Group members spent many hours stitching poppies on to background netting. As Remembrance Sunday approached it became evident there were enough poppies to make two nets which were stitched together making a very impressive display.
As time wore on, a very concentrated effort was made to have it ready for the special day, and other members of the History Group helped to get it finished.
The upshot was we had enough poppies for two drapes, which we attached together and this made a very impressive display.
The upshot was we had enough poppies for two drapes, which we attached together and this made a very impressive display.
Members of Queensferry History Group in front of the Poppy Drape. With our wreath listing the names of all the men who died in 1918. Every year since 2014, our wreath has had a little piece of Queensferry tartan on it!
The service was led by Reverend David Cameron, Reverend Terry Harkin and Father Deely.
Many people were observed having their photo taken, standing in front of the drape, on the day.
Many people were observed having their photo taken, standing in front of the drape, on the day.
To protect the poppies the drape was removed later on the Sunday afternoon after the Remembrance Service. It will be on display, later this year, when it will be hung in the stairwell at Queensferry Museum.
Queensferry History Group would like to thank everyone who contributed to and helped us with this important and moving display.
We also have our new exhibition in Queensferry Museum," Queensferry at War - The Final Conflicts and Beyond". This exhibition brings our research on WWI full circle, with information about the end of the war, the effects on people at home, what happened to men who returned and the Surrender of the German High Seas Fleet which took place in the Firth of Forth.
Queensferry History Group would like to thank everyone who contributed to and helped us with this important and moving display.
We also have our new exhibition in Queensferry Museum," Queensferry at War - The Final Conflicts and Beyond". This exhibition brings our research on WWI full circle, with information about the end of the war, the effects on people at home, what happened to men who returned and the Surrender of the German High Seas Fleet which took place in the Firth of Forth.
©Queensferry History Group 2018
