News

GCHQ poppy waterfall goes on display at Cheltenham Town Hall

We are delighted that our poppy waterfall, which helped to launch the Royal British Legion Gloucestershire County Poppy Appeal 2016, is now on display to the public at Cheltenham Town Hall until April.

News article - 30 Jan 2017

Interesting spiral-knit poppy, red with black wool centre

So much work went into the creation of our poppies; it's great that they will be seen by more people, reminding them to think about Remembrance beyond November. This also marks an exciting new venture for The Cheltenham Trust, exploring new ways of using its five venues, including the Town Hall, to bring arts displays to unexpected places to support community projects.

Satiny waterproof material forms the poppy petals, with a black plastic centre

The creation of the GCHQ poppy waterfall was very much a community effort, with friends and family of our workforce crafting poppies, as well as local schools, village "stitch and bitch" groups and a number of local WI branches. We're thrilled that those in the community who contributed will now be able to visit the Town Hall to see the finished result and try to spot their poppies.

Poppy made from satin-style material with wooden button in the centre

The poppy waterfall was made using over 9,000 handmade poppies. It was on display at our Cheltenham Headquarters over the Remembrance period late last year and we’re very happy that we are now able to share it with the wider public. As part of our mission to keep Britain safe, GCHQ has a long history of supporting the military and our waterfall symbolises this.

Woollen poppy with black petals and red centre

Our poppy waterfall project has taken our annual total raised for the RBL Gloucestershire to over £19,500 through the sale of around 4,000 extra handcrafted poppies and other activities. The RBL supports all generations of the military family to live on to a more hopeful future. Just as their work to support the military never stops, neither does their fundraising. Donations are welcome any day of the year to help them reach their county fundraising target of £660,000.

The 3D printing method causes linear texture patterns that enhance the petal shapes

The poppy waterfall is on public display at the Town Hall until mid April. Please go along to see it for yourself and show your support for the Royal British Legion.