The non-stop knitters of Ripon Community Poppy Project have transformed the city centre with their Easter displays.

Members of the project’s Knit and Natter Club and many more who work from home, have been creating the decorations since September and their meticulous handiwork can be seen around Market Square and other key locations.

The intricate displays, made up from 1,360 knitted eggs, more than 2,000 hand-crafted chain links and 53 woollen pictures featuring spring lambs, chicks, rabbits and flowers, have been fixed to railings, the Ripon Town Hall balcony and this post box (pictured above).

Hazel Barker, who co-founded the RCPP with former Ripon mayor Councillor Stuart Martin, told the Stray Ferret:

“Our knitters work all year round creating displays for annual events including Remembrance commemorations in November and Winter Wonderland at Christmas.”

Councillor Stuart Martin (right) putting a display in place with Carol Dunkley and Bob McLennan

She added:

“In 2022, we took on the mammoth task of creating miles of royal-themed banners and other decorations that were wrapped around the city’s streets to celebrate the Queen’s platinum jubilee.

“Now we are busily adapting these as well as creating new displays to mark the coronation of King Charles III.”

Ms Barker added:

“The Ripon Community Poppy Project was launched in 2018 to create displays for the city to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and we haven’t stopped knitting ever since!”

The main pic shows an Easter display with (from left): Hazel Barker, Lyn Hart, Betty Hardisty, David Hardisty, Sandra Searle, Alwyn Hartley and Pat McLennan.

There was sorrow as well as smiles among the women of the Ripon Community Poppy Project (RCPP) Knit and Natter Group, when they met for the first time following the Queen’s death.

To lighten the mood, a knitted display, reminding the group of that, now famous, television moment, when Her Majesty had afternoon tea with Paddington Bear, enjoyed pride of place.

Alongside a photograph of The Queen, the display, included Paddington with his suitcase, a handbag, marmalade sandwiches and a corgi wearing a crown.

The knitted figures and accessories, were created by group members Carol Dunkley, Angela Turnbull and Lynn Hart,

A photograph of The Queen was in place among the knitted display

In the months leading up to the Platinum Jubilee, the Knit and Natter Group, along with others working from home, knitted virtually non-stop to create miles of bunting, carrying the initials ER, which was wrapped around the city.

It was a huge collective effort that earned a letter of thanks from one of the Queen’s ladies in waiting at Windsor Castle.

Yesterday, as they continued to produce the next poppy displays in time for Remembrance Sunday, they paused for silence.

Hazel Barker, who founded RCPP with former mayor of Ripon Councillor Stuart Martin, told the Stray Ferret:

“There was sadness, as we held a minute’s silence to contemplate Her Majesty’s incredible reign and what she did for this country.

“Thoughts of her passing were then followed with the many happy memories that members of the group have of her, including her visits to Ripon.”

Hazel, added:

“It was clear with the James Bond film for the 2012 Olympics and the meeting with Paddington, filmed for the Platinum Jubilee, that Her Majesty had a great sense of humour.”

As part of yesterday’s reflective meeting, cups of tea and coffee were accompanied by sandwich biscuits, baked by Hazel and fittingly including a marmalade filling.

Volunteers have been making miles of bunting for the Queen’s jubilee for months and now Ripon Community Poppy Project has been putting it in place.

The project’s Knit and Natter team, with the support of women working from home, is ensuring that the city is ready for a right royal Bank Holiday celebration.

With the platinum jubilee just a month away, the painstaking task of installing their handiwork  started at the weekend.

Hazel Barker (right) with members of the Knit and Natter team proudly display their handiwork.

Hazel Barker, who set up the community project with Councillor Stuart Martin, initially to create knitted poppy displays for the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day in 2018, told  the Stray Ferret:

“Our aim is to ensure that everywhere you look in the city centre and other key locations, such as the bus station and Spa Gardens, the bunting, will remind residents and visitors alike about the Queen’s remarkable  70 years of service to this country.

“With its royal and loyal theme, the design, consisting of golden-coloured lettering,  gold and red crowns and red, white and blue flags, is meant to catch the eye.”

The unmissable bunting at High Skellgate.

With help from an army of volunteers, the decorations have been fixed to railings and buildings, including gateways such as High Skellgate, where a huge bunting banner flies high and proud at the junction with Westgate.

Cllr Martin said:

“I would like to congratulate Hazel and all of her team of tireless knitters for their magnificent efforts, both in making the bunting and putting it in place.

“There has already been positive responses to it from local residents, visitors, retailers and other businesses, who are playing their part in joining in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”

Jools Halliwell, who owns Kirkgate House – a home furnishings and decorations shop on the bunting-wrapped route to Ripon Cathedral, added:

“It’s fantastic to see everybody getting involved in what is going to be a massive event for our magnificent city.”

Read more:

• Meet the women who are knitting for the Queen
• Birthday card sent to the Queen from right royal Ripon