Charity, Events & Entertainment, Ferndown | Posted on September 1st, 2026 | return to news

Heathland House supports poppy remembrance display

Drive to create 2,000 knitted or crafted poppies for remembrance fundraising.

Heathland House, part of Cinnamon Care Collection, is supporting the appeal through fundraising activities, vehicle poppy displays and a community-wide drive to create 2,000 knitted and crafted poppies for a special remembrance display. Home Admissions Advisor Deborah Holmes, who has recently taken on the volunteer role of Poppy Appeal Organiser for Ferndown, West Moors and Parley, is helping to coordinate the local campaign.

The campaign comes at a significant time for Heathland House, which was recently awarded Veteran Friendly accreditation, recognising its commitment to understanding the experiences of former service personnel and supporting its veteran residents. The home regularly hosts veteran events, guest speakers and community meet-ups, helping residents maintain connections with their military heritage.

As part of the appeal, two vehicles connected to Heathland House will display official Car Poppies and Truck Poppies, while the home is encouraging local transport, logistics and vehicle businesses to do the same. Meanwhile, Heathland House’s popular Knit & Natter Group is aiming to create 2,000 knitted and crafted poppies, with local knitting groups, community organisations and residents invited to contribute.

Deborah said: “One of the reasons I wanted to volunteer was my connection with, and better understanding of, just what the Royal British Legion does for our armed forces who are in need, as well as my loyalty to our veteran residents. Our Knit & Natter group is also full steam ahead with our Heathland House Poppy display, and we’re aiming to create 2,000 knitted or crafted poppies. We’d love to hear from anyone in the community who would like to help us reach that goal and support such an important cause.”

Several fundraising events are also planned to support the appeal. A Poppy Quiz Night will take place at Heathland House on 11 September, hosted by Mark Ward of Ferndown Drama and the Royal British Legion, with prizes and a raffle, followed by a Poppy Dance at the Royal British Legion Club in Ferndown on 31 October. The evening will feature live entertainment from Neil Wookey of Fretworks and the PJ & Ted Reunion Band, alongside dancing and a licensed bar.

Deborah is also encouraging local residents to volunteer during the appeal, with opportunities including staffing collection stalls, delivering poppies and collection boxes to local businesses and supporting fundraising events. Anyone interested in volunteering, contributing handcrafted poppies, displaying a Car or Truck Poppy, or attending the upcoming events is encouraged to contact Heathland House.