Knitted Soldier created for Remembrance Sunday 

by talented residents at local retirement Village

The knitting group from the local Stoke Gifford retirement village has created an incredible 6-foot-tall Knitted Solider to honour Remembrance Sunday.

Bradley Stoke & Little Stoke Gifford Matters was delighted to be invited down to meet the ‘unknown hero’ in the flesh so to speak as well as the lovely ladies who created him. 

ExtraCare’s Stoke Gifford Retirement Village’s Knit & Natter group spent three months collectively creating the Knitted Soldier. The soldier is the work of 12 residents ranging in age from 63 to 93 years old. Supporting one another in their group, the residents created an inclusive environment for all to enjoy, especially those with a past love for knitting who are now faced with challenges such as blindness, loss of dexterity or memory loss. 

The soldier follows the group’s Knitted Queen (photo below right) which they created in honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June and which earned a written response from the Queen before her death. 

Activities Coordinator, Natasheya Archer commented: “I’m so impressed with how our residents took on the huge challenge of knitting a full-size statue for Remembrance especially so soon after completing the jubilee project. It was touching to hear residents’ stories of their loved ones who fought in WW1 and WW2 recounting memories of what the uniform looked like to make sure our soldier was accurate”.

The soldier stood proud for all to see in the ExtraCare retirement village until Remembrance Sunday.

We can’t wait to see what the group creates for the King’s Coronation next May!

Knit & Natter Group Member Pam created a poem to go with the finished project: 

Making our knitted statue – By Pam Lower

A full-length soldier was planned , A young soldier brave and true

Made entirely with knitting, As we began the ideas grew 

It started with a wooden frame, The basics were looking good

with hat, trousers and jacket, (Not fitting as it should) 

Then Natasheya suggested a model, Quite surprised with his height 

After a few adjustments, Things were fitting just right

There were belts and buckles, Straps and buttons, each person did their bit

Knitted mug and haversack, Bottle, helmet and sewing kit

We are very proud how he looks, Armed now with his rifle 

So rewarded him some medals, And adopted him our unknown hero

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