24/10/2026
Windsor Poppy Project Unveiled to Supporters
Windsor was united in a breathtaking tribute on Friday evening 24 October at St John the Baptist Church, when the Windsor Community Poppy Project unveiled a stunning display of 20,000 handmade poppies.
Berkshire Freemasons had pledged a total £1,800 to the Project, providing the initial boost that helped show confidence and trust that it was possible to carry out on this sort of scale. And they were invited to be at the launch with many other supporters and sponsors.
Individual donations come in from four Windsor Lodges totalling £800: Etonian Lodge of St John No 209, Windsor Castle Lodge No 771, Commercial Temperance Lodge No 3144 and Christopher Wren Lodge No 4855, in addition to a generous £1,000 donation from the Berkshire Masonic Charity.
The Windsor Town Crier, Chris Brown announced after the traditional tolling of his hand bell, “The civic and spiritual heart of the town’s annual remembrance services has been transformed, by an extraordinary sea of red. Every single poppy was lovingly crafted by local school children, care home residents, library groups, community organisations, and independent volunteers. Who knitted, crocheted, cut, glued, and painted for thousands of hours.”
A Community United in Remembrance
The dedication behind the project was praised by local dignitaries during a celebratory gathering this evening.
Royal Recognition for Creative Tribute
Addressing the gathered crowd of volunteers, sponsors, and supporters, the Lord-Lieutenant expressed deep gratitude for the town's collective effort, "It’s a pleasure to be here in Windsor to celebrate this extraordinary outpouring of creativity. Looking at the individual groups and organizations that have contributed to these 20,000 poppies makes you focus on the thousands of hours put into this. Of course, those thousands of hours are in remembrance of the thousands who set off from places just like this town to fight on the battlefields of the world, never to return. This very special act of remembrance will form the centre of the parades both outside and inside this Parish Church for this year’s Remembrance Day services."
The Lord-Lieutenant extended a special thank you to Heidi Berry, whom he described as, “The visionary instigator who launched and spearheaded the remarkable project.”
Gratitude to Supporters and Volunteers
Taking the stage to a warm reception, project founder Heidi Berry shared her delight at seeing the community's hard work come to fruition.
"I can’t follow that!" Berry smiled. "It’s a delight to be able to thank everybody who has joined us this evening. You’re all supporters, sponsors, or volunteers who’ve got this project to completion."
She credited the project's success to the massive collaborative network across Windsor and its neighbouring areas, highlighting the vital role of local sponsors who stepped forward to cover costs and manage the extensive logistics behind the scenes.
The breathtaking installation will remain on display at St John the Baptist Church, serving as a powerful, visual reminder of the town's shared history and gratitude as Remembrance Sunday 2026 approaches.
Photos show: The exterior of The Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Windsor. Pictured are Heidi Berry of Windsor Craft Coop (wearing a giant poppy) and her assistant Michelle Ann Johnson. Also Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Mr Andrew Try; Mayor of Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Sian Martin. Additionally, the Town Crier for Windsor Chris Brown. The Freemasons shown are Ken Ramsden (dark jacket and glasses), John Young (grey jumper) and Peter Hopkins (blue jacket).
