15,000 handmade poppies cascade down Widnes church tower

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 07:44 · Archive

A 131-foot cascade of 15,000 knitted and crocheted poppies has been installed on St Mary's Church in Widnes for Remembrance Sunday.

A spectacular display of 15,000 handmade poppies cascading down St Mary's Church in West Bank, Widnes has been captured by drone photographer Ian Cank. Each flower was knitted or crocheted by volunteers of all ages as part of a project that started almost a year ago.

The 131-foot cascade flows down the 108-foot tower, transforming the church into a sea of red. The poppies were sewn onto netting and secured to the ancient sandstone wall despite challenging weather conditions during storms Austen and Boelo. Two people in Canada, including one former West Banker, contributed 1,000 poppies to the installation.

Ian Cank, a 38-year-old Runcorn resident who works as a security guard and wedding DJ, captured the display with his aerial photography business. He said: 'It's a pleasure and honour to be asked by the mayor of Halton, Cllr Pamela Wallace, to film and document this incredible display.' Cank has personal connections to the church, where his mother was married. He also photographed the display at night set against the illuminated Silver Jubilee Bridge.

How it is being reported

• Drone captures 15,000 poppies cascade down church beside Silver Jubilee BridgeDrone captures 15,000 handmade poppies cascading down St Mary’s Church in West Bank, Widnes, creating a powerful Remembrance Sunday tribute.Chester Standard · 1 Nov, 07:00
• Drone captures 15,000 poppies cascade down church beside Silver Jubilee BridgeDrone captures 15,000 handmade poppies cascading down St Mary’s Church in West Bank, Widnes, creating a powerful Remembrance Sunday tribute.Warrington Guardian · 30 Oct, 11:19

In this story: St Mary's Church · Widnes · Ian Cank · Pamela Wallace · Silver Jubilee Bridge · Runcorn · Halton

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