ONE hundred years of the Royal British Legion in Guiseley is being celebrated this year with a stunning community yarn art display.
Over the last week members of community yarn group Yarns Well Spun have installed over 900 knitted, fabric, felted and crocheted poppies around the Guiseley Cenotaph, Guiseley Wells, Parkinson's Park and St Oswalds Church, to mark the anniversary.
Abi James, the LEEDS 2023 Neighbourhood Host for Otley and Yeadon, set up Yarns Well Spun, after receiving funding through the My World, My City My Neighbourhood project last year. The group now has members from Otley, Guiseley, Yeadon and Rawdon who design, create and install yarn installations in Aireborough to mark community events and celebrations.
Abi said: "The Yarn Group has grown in strength and numbers over the past year and is now a vibrant, creative hub with 45 members aged from teens to octogenarians. The group has been a fantastic way for local people to 'let culture loose' and express themselves artistically, whilst making new friendships and really making a positive impact in their local community.
"We have been designing and making the poppies and backing pieces for many months and over 30 local residents have also been involved in the project. It has been wonderful to create such a special visual tribute for the community. The yarn installation will also provide a special focal point for Sunday's Remembrance service parade.
She added: "I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in Guiseley's 2022 Remembrance Tribute. It is a real credit to the community, to see so many people getting involved and using their creative skills to honour Guiseley's war heroes and spread a feeling of community pride."
Elsie Turner, who has been organising the Royal British Legion collections in Guiseley for over 30 years said: "I first got involved with the RBL when Edith Appleyard asked me to help collect in Guiseley in 1980. Then I joined the Royal British Legion Women's Section. Later I joined the RBL when Women's section closed.
"The Remembrance day service is very special to our local community and is a time to remember family and friends, who fought to keep our country a safe democratic place, where we can live in peace. We also remember the hundreds who did not return, or returned injured.
"The Yarn Art makes a very bright focal display of poppies. It's something that everyone can see and remember and is a very special tribute.
"One hundred years of the RBL in Guiseley means people have been loyal and faithful to those who served. We will never forget the sacrifice that was made for us. We will remember forever I hope."
Councillor Eleanor Thomson funded the Community Remembrance Day Project from her Members Improvements in the Community and Environment (MICE) money, alongside local arts organisation 'Daisy Croft Crafts'.
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