Penarth’s Poppy Appeal is returning this autumn — and this year, the community is being invited to take part in something truly special.
As part of the 2026 Appeal, a brand‑new installation will appear on Windsor Road: Penarth’s Tree of Remembrance. The tree beside the Poppy Caravan will be transformed into a striking tribute, its trunk covered in hand‑knitted and crocheted poppies made by people across the town. From the branches, large poppies will hang — some painted by local artists — each one sharing stories of Penarth’s role in the World Wars and beyond.
This project has already sparked incredible local involvement. Groups including the All Saints Church knitting group and Penarth Ageing Well knitters have contributed tirelessly, with over 1,800 poppies already made. Now, the Poppy Appeal team is opening the project to the wider community, inviting anyone who can knit, crochet, or donate red wool to take part.
Poppies can be dropped off at the collection boxes in:
- Snells Newsagents
- Specsavers
- St Fagans Pub
- Knights Chemist, Windsor Road
Poppies will be collected weekly and mounted on the tree ahead of the Appeal launch on 26th October. Once the installation is in place, members of the public will be able to sponsor a poppy for £2, leaving either their own name or the name of someone they wish to honour. Sponsorship will be available at the Poppy Caravan, with the list updated regularly throughout the Appeal.
The installation has been approved by Penarth Town Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. The tree will not be damaged, and all poppies will be carefully removed, washed, and reused next year — ensuring this becomes a lasting tradition for the town.
Alongside the Tree of Remembrance, residents can also look forward to Poppies on the Pier, where the entrance to Penarth Pier will be decorated with more handmade poppies and lit red in tribute.
This year’s Poppy Appeal is all about community — creating something meaningful together, remembering those who served, and celebrating Penarth’s history. Whether you knit, crochet, donate wool, or simply stop by to sponsor a poppy, every contribution helps build a project that belongs to all of us.
If you have information about Penarth’s contribution to the World Wars, or if you’d like to get involved further, the Poppy Appeal team would love to hear from you.
Let’s make this a true community act of remembrance.
If you’re interested in volunteering or finding out more, please contact Penarth Poppy Appeal Organiser Karen Jones at karen1964@btinternet.com.
