Knitting Ninjas hit streets of Wetherby to create Remembrance display

An army of Yarnbombers has swooped the streets of Wetherby to create a fitting tribute for Remembrance Day.

The town’s Knitting Ninjas have spent the last four months creating around 2,000 Poppies, the symbol of Remembrance, along with a selection of wreaths featuring original and classic war poetry, and knitted figures representing each branch of the Armed Forces.

Spokesperson for the group, Hestia Delacoeur, said: “Earlier this year the group, alongside Wetherby Knitwits and Hookers, helped the town to secure five Gold Roses, and place as Best in West Yorkshire during Yorkshire in Bloom for orchestrating a vibrant and colourful display of yarn flowers which appeared all across the town centre.

“These ladies are not resting on their laurels though; as soon as the competition was over the work for their latest display was set in motion.”

Knitting Ninjas held their first meeting in February 2023 at the home of Town Councillor Elaine Smith with just five members but has grown to 21.

Elaine, and her husband, Major Tom Smith MBE, are both heavily involved with the Royal British Legion, sitting on the Wetherby Branch Committee.

And they are also responsible for the local Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club which takes place on the last Saturday of every month at The Red Lion on High Street.

Hestia added: “The group was initially set up to bring together like minded military wives in a mutually shared activity, but after seeing Remembrance displays going up all over Yorkshire they became inspired to create their own tribute commemorating the military history of Wetherby.

“Thanks to Elaine's connections, she was able to secure permission from the Town Council to create displays in prominent areas, namely Town Hall, Garden of Rest, and Bridgefoot.

“The Remembrance Day Parade sets off from Town Hall, and ends at Bridgefoot, home of the infamous Wetherby Angel crafted by Louis Frederick Roslyn to commemorate the fallen of World War 1.

“The strategically positioned Poppies now add extra layers of poignancy to the event, and all who attend and take part.”

Describing it as their most ambitious project yet, the animal loving knitters have also paid tribute to service animals, denoted by the purple Poppy, including Joey the War Horse in the window of Wetherby Library.

Hestia added: “Operation Remembrance 2026 has attracted nationwide attention and encouraged an influx of yarn tourism, bringing much welcomed revenue to the area's high street and markets.”

The women are already planning next year's creations. The current display will be in place until the end of November.