Another huge week at PHQ this week. Tada!!!! Despite the fact that our official completion of the poppy nets was back on 17 March …. we found that quite a few of our earlier repairs were not up to the standard we would have liked … so we went back over the first 40 nets again. Fussy I know … but we are definitely pleased we did … even though it was a LOT more work than we hoped … we know it will be worth it when Her Majesty walks out beautiful red carpet in just a few weeks time.
So … everything was finished, packed and ready for the truck when it arrived on Friday morning and spirited away our precious cargo to Qantas for final packing into containers ready to ship. What can I say … I think Qantas is as excited as the rest of us … they even printed up some gorgeous decals to place all over the shipping containers. No prizes for guessing what’s in those containers. Next stop London. Cannot thank our wonderful friends at Qantas enough.
My garage!!!
And so … speaking of carpet.
I am always in awe of the power of the sentiment behind this project … At it’s heart it is a simple and poignant (if large) tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for us … and it is truly difficult not to be moved by its intensity and beauty. And … at it’s soul are the amazing contributors and volunteers and sponsors and those who have cheered from the sidelines. You have made this project.
Phillip’s wonderful design for Chelsea incorporates over 300 metres of red carpet, creating an impressive walkway through the centre of the installation. In reality this is a very special invitation for Her Majesty to walk through our “field” of poppies – which we truly hope she will do. How could she resist???
I have to say that when we put out a quiet (if VERY late) call recently for someone to help us to find a carpet large enough to create our “red carpet” for the Queen we were thrilled with an immediate response from our friends at Carpet Call. Not only have they agreed to sponsor carpet for the installation and have stated that they are honoured to do so … but they are making it especially for us AND they are delivering to site in London. Time is tight but they have been amazing!!!! We cannot thank you and your wonderful team enough!!
And as always … we want to mention our continuing appreciation to the Victorian Government …who have been right behind this amazing journey to Chelsea. We will do you proud.
5000 POPPIES 
Well done Carpet Call &Qantas. Aussie icons.
I am one of many who have to read this posting many times. For the simple reason that each time I read it tears run down my cheeks and I have to read it again. SO annoying. But SO emotional. Haven’t we done a great job, Poppy Ladies? And friends at my local (Boronia) RSL still ask me to make poppies for them. The tradition lives on. The journey continues. Who knows where and when it will end. If ever. Hand me the tissues please!!!!!!
To Lynn & Marg, Once again an amazing undertaking, getting all these poppies and nets organised and packed in readiness for Chelsea. You deserve an “Australians of the Year” award both of you. I feel very proud that our surplus poppies from Inverloch are amongst the multitude after Marg kindly met me personally to take delivery. All the very best for Chelsea for which I know will be a huge success. Looking forward to further updates and photos. Kind Regards, Lyn Shaw
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