Remembrance poppies for charity

• Poppy knitter Heather McDougall with one off the production line.

By Tony Scott,
September 29, 2021

Crafty Scottsdale senior Heather McDougall has set herself a challenge to knit poppies in the lead up to Remembrance Day, November 11.

Mrs McDougall last produced poppies for a display as part of celebrations for the North-East Soldiers Memorial Hospital’s centenary last year.

Then she was asked by her daughter if she might be able to provide some for customers of her Launceston newsagency.

“She said a lot of people were looking for them.

“The ladies from Legacy used to sell the little paper ones, but I don’t think they do that so much anymore.

“We can sell these knitted ones for $4 each and I’ll donate all the money to Legacy or to the hospital, because it’s a memorial to the soldiers.”

Mrs McDougall, whose father was a prisoner of war, believes it’s important to commemorate dates like Remembrance Day.

“We can’t afford to forget the sacrifice that people have made in the past for our future.”

She said that while her daughter had put in an order for 50 poppies this year she would most likely knit a few more and offer them for sale locally, with all the proceeds to be donated.