Knitting For Remembrance: The Magnificent Mini Medals You Can Help Create

The Army Flying Museum are asking people to get crafting and make fabric replica military medals to go on display in November to mark Remembrance.

‘Magnificent Mini Medals’ are knitted, crochet or paper craft medals that need to be created to help remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Last year they received around 3,000 handmade poppies, and this year they hope to have the same success with the handcrafted medals. Dan Ball, Outreach and Engagement Officer for the museum, said:

“The project is inspired by the museum’s medal collection, that reflect the stories of courage, comradeship and bravery behind the medals.” 

The inspirational stories can be discovered in their online exhibition as well as in the museum which is home to an extensive collection of items covering all aspects of British Army flying, including pilot's notes and photographs. 

Lots of work had been taking place before lockdown to refresh the museum, including art installation projects with local community groups. Talking about why the changes had been made Dan said:

"They are to refurbish and re-interpret the museum for brand new audiences." 

During the lockdown period, the museum went virtual with their 'Lockdown Lectures' video calls to local and international groups, including as far away as Canada.

The museum re-opened, with new safety measures, on July 13 after being closed for several months. Dan hopes that the homemade medals on display will attract more visitors in November.

They will be displayed around the museum's various Army aircrafts for the entire month of November 2020. After then they will be used to form a medal trail for visitors to follow around the museum. 

Anyone can create a medal, by either following the pattern on the website or by creating their own pattern. The deadline is November 1 and finished item(s) can be sent to:

Army Flying Museum Middlewallop Stockbridge Hants SO20 8FB