A County Durham village is honouring its fallen this Remembrance period with a striking poppy installation.
Residents of Horden, near Peterlee, have come together to remember those who died in war with a display of handmade poppies.
Wanting to do something special this year, Horden Hope Grows, a community group formed earlier in 2025 to improve public spaces, led a creative project to bring people together.
With a grant of nearly £1,000 from not-for-profit housing association believe housing, the group worked with local artists Misha Farris and Pippa Rook.
Together, they helped schoolchildren, community groups, and care home residents make 320 poppies from recycled plastic bottles.
The display was inspired by the famous clay poppies at the Tower of London. The handmade poppies, which included purple poppies to honour animals that served and died in wartime, were placed on the grass outside Langley House Residential Care Home.
Gemma Rowe, secretary of Horden Hope Grows, said: “Having local artists work with schools, community groups, and the care home gave lots of people a chance to take part. “It was a way for the village to come together and do something meaningful for Remembrance Day.
“We’re grateful to believe housing for the grant and to everyone who helped make this beautiful display.”
On Remembrance Sunday, the parade organised by Horden Parish Council passed the display on its way to Memorial Park, where people laid wreaths and held a moment of silence.
Joeanne Nicholson, manager of the ‘Veteran Friendly’ care home, said: “It’s a lovely display and it meant a lot to our residents to help make the poppies.
“They were proud to see it outside and it made the parade even more special. We always take residents outside to watch and pay their respects.”
Anne-Marie Parkin, a Community Investment Coordinator at believe housing, said: “We’re proud to support Horden Hope Grows with a project that’s enhancing the community, bringing people together, and marking Remembrance with a poignant symbol.”
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