Poppy plea to region’s crafters

A CALL has gone out for people in the region to make poppies for a new wall hanging.

It will go on display at the Remembrance Garden in Dumfries, which was created to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Leading the poppy creation charge is Doreen Johnston, from Caring 4 D and G. The group came about during the covid pandemic in 2020 and was initially named NHS D&G For The Love of Scrubs.

Doreen explained: “From Langholm to Stranraer; Moffat to Kelloholm; and everywhere in between, our Dumfries and Galloway team of over 300 volunteers demonstrated the true spirit of our beautiful region.

“By July; within only a few short weeks; we had supplied our local NHS, care homes, GP surgeries, and everyone that needed them, more than over 2000 sets of scrubs, over 500 scrub tops, over 7000 washbags and over 1000 items of nightwear. Our volunteers also produced over 1800 of the extremely emotional heart sets.

“They were an amazing team of very talented and dedicated volunteers.”

And now she hopes to harness those same skills and spirit for the poppies, adding: “We are needing as many people from throughout Dumfries and Galloway to help us make poppies.

“Poppies can be knitted, crocheted or made from felt. Any pattern can be used; there are lots available free online.”

Completed poppies can be dropped off with Myra, the community champion at Morrisons Dumfries, who is co-ordinating the hanging. Local drop off points are also being arranged throughout the region.

Doreen said: “This is a wonderful way to celebrate our fifth anniversary of coming together as NHS D&G For the Love of Scrubs, making thousands of scrubs, wash-bags etc to support our local communities during the pandemic.”

* For more information on how to get involved, go the dedicated Facebook page at www.facebook.com/caring4DandG.