In partnership with Featherstone Town Council, Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign have embarked on this exciting new project creating a purple poppy covered coat for the Featherstone War Horse.
The stunning memorial commemorates the 353 soldiers from Featherstone who were killed in the First World War. It was unveiled in 2018 in Mill Pond Meadow, creating ‘a place of peace, remembrance and reflection’.
The idea for the coat came from Bev Alderson, founding member and former Trustee of Murphy’s Army. Mrs. Alderson approached Featherstone Town Council who were thrilled with the idea, and subsequently granted permission for the project to proceed.
Mrs. Alderson said “For the past three years we have dressed the Horsforth Horse statue in Leeds which has received superb feedback. We were aware of the Featherstone War Horse and thought how wonderful it would be to see this covered with purple poppies too. We are extremely grateful to Featherstone Town Council for giving us permission and we looked forward to the challenge ahead.”
Councillor Graham Isherwood, Leader of Featherstone Town Council, said “We were delighted that Murphy’s Army choose the War Horse to inspire their next project.” A challenge it has been as the horse measures some five meters tall, and nine meters in length. The coat is made up of mesh panels, each one covered with knitted or crocheted poppies.
Over 3,500 poppies are attached, including 353 red poppies as a mark of respect for the Featherstone soldiers whose lives were lost. As each poppy takes around 15 minutes to make, that means some 900 hours of ‘needle’ work, not to mention over 100 balls of wool have been used!
The team at Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign were not to be beaten and are determined to complete the operation to raise further awareness of the purple poppy, and to ensure that the animals who served and continue to serve are not forgotten.
Entirely volunteer run, all profits raised by the charity from their Purple Poppy Campaign help their chosen beneficiaries which this year include Fireside K9 – supporting the retired Police Dogs of West Yorkshire, and the Railway Dogs Benevolent Fund – providing care including ongoing medical treatment for dogs who have completed their service with British Transport Police.
The launch is planned to take place on the 11th October. Look out for what will be a spectacular sight, and possibly the largest coat of its kind ever made!
For more information about Operation Joey, or to offer your help contact Murphy’s Army Purple Poppy Campaign via their website theyalsoserved.org