Nearly 28,000 handmade poppies create moving tribute at Southsea Castle

The project was the idea of Alexis Seed, owner of craft shop Seeded in Southsea, who wanted to create something special to honour those who served.

What began as a local appeal has since grown into a nationwide effort, with people donating their handmade poppies to help create the sea of red.

Ms Seed told GB News: “It’s something that we’ve been wanting to do for years and years, and just trying to find the location for it was really difficult.

“When the council approached us and said they’d like something done at the castle, that was it.

“It’s just such a beautiful place to be.

“If you’re walking along the common and you come across the castle and see this beautiful pile of red poppies, it really stands out.”

She said bringing people together through the project had been particularly special.

“It’s amazing meeting lots of new people and getting them involved, being a part of their stories and their journey as well,” she said. “It’s been really special.”

For one veteran, the tribute carries an especially powerful meaning.

Captain Peter Galloway served in the Royal Navy for 34 years and has a deeply personal connection to Portsmouth and its naval history.

He was serving aboard a Portsmouth-based ship, HMS Glamorgan, during the Falklands War, when an Argentine Exocet missile hit it on June 12, 1982.

The attack claimed the lives of 13 servicemen, who were buried at sea later that day.

Captain Galloway told the People’s Channel: “Portsmouth is very important to me. I served (on) a Portsmouth-based ship in the Falklands 44 years ago.

“Unfortunately, we did get hit by Exocet on that day.”

Remembering those who never made it home remains at the heart of the project.

He said: “We lost 13, who were killed.”

“The young ones who would now be 64 years old, their wives, their mothers and their families who’ve never seen them grow up.

“So, remembrance is important, and this tribute to them by the people around here, is so moving.”

The display is a reminder that behind every poppy is a story, a family and a life touched by service and sacrifice.

And while each handmade flower is unique, together they form one powerful message.

That those who served, and those who gave their lives, will never be forgotten.

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