Poppy Maskill toppers grace Middlewich town centre post boxes

Para-swimmer, Poppy Maskill, swept the board at this year’s Paris 2024 games with three gold and two silver medals, where she also set a world record in the women’s S14 200m butterfly.

The 19-year-old was also chosen to be one of two British flag bearers at the closing ceremony, along with South Wales-based para-taekwondo athlete, Matt Bush.

On Friday, September 6, Middlewich Town Council announced Poppy will receive the freedom of Middlewich on her return home, but now, another tribute to the aquatic star has been spotted in the town centre. 

Crafting group, Middlewich Woolverines, have surreptitiously installed Poppy-themed post box toppers on Lewin Street and Wheelock Street, and member, Denise Appleton, says there are plans afoot for others.

The 'Poppy toppers' are outside the Tesco Express of Wheelock Street, and the Civic Hall on Lewin Street (Image: Denise Appleton)

Ask what inspired the Woolverine’s efforts, Denise said: “She’s really put us on the map!

“Normally, when you tell people you come from Middlewich, they say, ‘oh, where’s that?’

“And now it’s like, ‘it’s where Poppy Maskill comes from’.

“She’s not only got five medals, including two personal golds. She’s got the most medals for team GB from the Paralympics, as well as a world record.

“I can’t think what more she could’ve done.

“She’s an inspiration for all the other children of the town, and we haven’t even got a swimming pool.

"The toppers were a team effort. Everyone does a little bit of something.

"We’re in the process of making one with her holding the flag."

Between 15 and 20 Woolverines meet at the Newton Brewery pub on Webb’s Lane on Wednesdays for their weekly crafting sessions, though many more members craft from home.

Denise said she knows of other groups and individuals in the town planning to pay tribute to Poppy’s efforts upon her return.

She added: “A lot of people are planning to decorate their houses when Poppy’s made freeman of Middlewich.

“We’re trying not to overwhelm her, but this will possibly never happen again.

"We need to celebrate this amazing achievement.”