A special event marked with the installation of a stunning poppy display – that has been in the works for an entire year – will be taking place in Richhill in the lead-up to Remembrance Sunday.
St Matthew’s Church will be hosting ‘No Greater Love’, a Remembrance festival from Friday 7 to Sunday, November 9, 2025.
The festival will pay tribute to those who served their country, featuring poppy-themed decorations, exhibitions of local stories and memorabilia, and a weekend of reflection and community remembrance.
In preparation for the festival, on Saturday November 1, the church tower was adorned with a stunning net containing over 7,700 hand-knitted poppies, lovingly created by ladies from Richhill and surrounding areas.
Speaking on behalf of the ladies who handknit the poppies, Linda Pillow explained that it took a total of nine months to create the installation with planning for the display beginning well over a year ago.
Describing it as an “entire community effort”, she said everyone had so much fun in the process, seeing people they hadn’t seen for years with copious amounts of tea, coffee and laughter!
A telehandler was then graciously provided by David Jameson Roofing and Gary McCoo got to work hanging the display on the Church’s exterior.
The installation is incredibly striking – cascading down from the top of the church tower, which sits prominently at the top of the hill. It has already drawn attention from locals and visitors alike, and on social media.
Throughout the festival weekend, visitors can attend the opening service with Archbishop John McDowell and The Hardy Memorial School Choir, view the exhibition, and enjoy a special evening of story and song, “We Will Remember Them,” for which 200 free tickets are available.
The event will conclude on Sunday with the village’s Remembrance Sunday parade and a closing service.
Refreshments will be available throughout the weekend, and proceeds will go towards church funds and military charities supporting veteran care.
