The village of Little Downham commemorated Armistice Day with special poppies made by a local of group of crafters.

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

The group meets on a Friday morning and discussed how best they might help the village commemorate the anniversary of the end of the Great War.

It led to a suggestion of a ‘mile of poppies’ but downscaled their ambition when they realised this would be over 15,000.

A more modest target of more than 4,000 was set on Sunday their hand knitted and crocheted poppies, sewn onto a hessian mesh, decorated the parish church of St Leonard’s.

Additional creations from the Brownies, Rainbows & even Jellytots were also on display within the church for the service.

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

The village Faeebook group thanked the enthusiasts on behalf of the 140 people who packed the village church.

Councillor Anna Bailey and Councillor Lorna Dupre read lessons and town crier Avril Hayter-Smith for delivered the ‘Cry for Peace’.

Jo Waters of the parish council unveiled the new plaque to mark the Little Downham Airfield.

Thanks were also offered to the Rainbows and Brownies for their very active involvement in the service - leading the congregation with a poem, laying wreaths and then lighting candles to remember those who had died from the village in battle. The poppy display was supplemented impressively with beautiful artwork from each class at Little Downham Feoffees Academy and Jellytots.

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

“In times of uncertainty, we can take great courage in the way that our village has pulled together to mark this very important occasion,” said the Facebook post.

“We hope that the community spirit, generosity and hospitality that were so evident today continue to be seen in Little Downham in the months and years ahead.”

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: It started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECTIt started small – with a chat – but grew into a suggestion to create a mile of hand made poppies ahead of Armistice Day. Realism crept in but the efforts were still spectacular at Little Downham. Picture: THE POPPY PROJECT (Image: Archant)