Words: John Baron. Photos: Lou Cunningham
Volunteers have been yarn bombing Armley Town Street with hand-made poppies.
The Armley Yarn Bombers group are aiming to encourage people to take a pride in the Town Street area and get involved with future crafty exertions.
Joanne Brophy, who runs the Armley Yarn Bombers, said volunteers had made hundreds of poppies using yarn and painted plastic bottle bottoms. The group had also held a stall at Armley Festival, where passers-by had helped out.
Years 1-6 pupils at Christ Church Upper Armley CE Primary School had also made 54 poppies out of tissue paper.
Ms Brophy said the aim was to remember those who lost their lives while serving their country, as well as make Town Street more welcoming as it recovers following coronavirus lockdowns. She added:
“We’re looking for more people to get involved, whether members of existing groups or people at home who may have some spare time. We’re hoping to encourage people to help us yarn bomb town street for Christmas too!
“We got funding for the yarn to do this from working with Armley Action Team, which are being funded through the Welcome Back Fund which has been granted to Leeds City Council by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
“This funding supports the safe re-opening of the local economy, helping to make Leeds a welcoming and friendly place for visitors, residents and businesses.”
The yarn bombers were joined by Councillor Lou Cunningham (Lab, Armley). She tweeted:
❤️🌺❤️ huge thanks to all involved in this fantastic yarnbombing tribute on Armley Town Street . we will remember them 🌺#armleypoppies #armleyyarnbomb#armley #community pic.twitter.com/XuGCei5so5
— lou cunningham (@armley_lou) November 5, 2021
The shops who are displaying the poppies includes: La Moda, The Post Office, Cake Craft, Hidden Owls, Skeltons, The Crypt shop, Pretty Woman and The Key Cutter. Yarn had come from Swinnow Road-based Mobile Haberdashery.
More information on the Armley Yarn Bombers can be found here.
